Owls of the North: A Naturalist's Handbook Review

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(More customer reviews)This charming little book will fit easily into your backpack, although not into your back pocket. Naturalist David Benson's keys to identification make "Owls of the North" a good field guide, and his sidebars on related facts make for some interesting reading. But the real strength of the book is in the photos of the owls. They are absolutely captivating.
The photo credits are given on page 84. Benson comments: "If we add up all the hours in the field it took to get the photos in this book, the number would be nearly unbelievable. Not to mention the conditions these photographers endured--cramped blinds, soggy feet, blood-thirsty mosquitoes, finger-numbing cold. But the results are spectacular."
They are. There is something about the owl countenance that is thrilling: the big eyes, the rounded face, the invisible mouth (suggesting strong reticence, I guess), the strong beak in the middle. They are simultaneously cute and seemingly "wise" as they look into our souls.
Fortunately Benson does not wax so anthropomorphically! His text is informative and interesting. He explains the ear tufts on some owls--or actually he explains that we don't really know for sure what they are for. He explains their acute hearing and how their ears are placed that help they home in on the faintest of sounds, such as voles moving under the snow. He touches on how their talons work and he identifies their habitats, their food, and many other bits of fascinating information. There are little global maps showing the range that the owls occupy. Interesting enough at the center point of the maps is the North Pole. The range of many of these northern owls extends from the US and Canada over the Pole to Europe. These are some of the best cold-weather adapted creatures on the planet.
Seeing owls is a sometime thing I can tell you, and I congratulate Benson for his time in the field. In all my "nature studies" over the years I have seen perhaps two or three owls. Of course I usually do not go out at the most opportune times, that is to say at night! The owls I have seen appeared at dusk.
I highly recommend this book not only for those who want to know more about owls, but birders in general. I did find one small error. On page 32 Benson writes: "...Red-shouldered Hawks aren't found west of the eastern Great Plains..." Believe me, they are. I see quite a few along the riparian trails here in the Sacramento area.
By the way, the cover photo shown here on Amazon is not the same as on the cover of the book I have. (I like the one I have even better!) But the cover photo does appear in the book.

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Like a hike in the woods with a seasoned naturalist, this book takes you on a journey into the world of owls. It explains how to tell them apart, how they live, where they live and the most interesting, down-to-earth details about their lives. Packed with photos that capture the beauty and intrigue of owls, this book will answer your questions about the owls that you see...and help you find the ones you haven't seen.

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Planet Earth: As You've Never Seen It Before Review

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(More customer reviews)Most of the books images have been poorly resized upwards. Almost every image is marred by pixelization -- Zebra stripes have jagged stairsteps. While original digital footage was shot with enough resolution for HD DVD, those screen captures do not have enough detail for good prints.

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Introduction to Digital Signal Processing (Essential Electronics) Review

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(More customer reviews)I made tremendous progress understanding digital filters using this text. What I like most is that various concepts (z-transform, etc.) are first introduced using simple examples, later followed by the general approach.

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'Introduction to Digital Signal Processing' covers the basic theory and practice of digital signal processing (DSP) at an introductory level. As with all volumes in the Essential Electronics Series, this book retains the unique formula of minimal mathematics and straightforward explanations. The author has included examples throughout of the standard software design package, MATLAB and screen dumps are used widely throughout to illustrate the text.Ideal for students on degree and diploma level courses in electric and electronic engineering, 'Introduction to Digital Signal Processing' contains numerous worked examples throughout as well as further problems with solutions to enable students to work both independently and in conjunction with their course. Assumes only minimum knowledge of mathematics and electronics.Concise and written in a straightforward and accessible style.Packed with worked examples, exercises and self-assesment questions.

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How the Racers Ski Review

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(More customer reviews)I read this book on the advice of a fellow ski journeyman (now renowned Aspen Mountain Ski Instructor, Paul Wade) in the mid 70's as an instructor at Sugarbush, Vt. I've been skiing all my life and this book almost single handedly - along with Paul's advice - changed my skiing forever delivering me to the 'next level' ... the magic "it" where the "there" is. Witherall's clear and concise writing took me from an excellent skier [albeit sliding, sometimes carved turns] to an expert, consistently on the ski's edge with beautiful ripped and carved turns. Even with shorter, phatter skiis of 2004, Witherall's writing is still current and uniquely relevant, if not even more so because skiis have gotten so much better as described by Witherall [maybe even predicted? where yesterday's term "sidecut" means the same as today's "parabolic"] ...If you understand how skiis work, and Witherall documents this, you'll understand even more how phat, tapered waist, i.e parabolic, skiis will help you, partner with you, to carve perfect turns. I hear this book has been controversial, that not everyone agree's with Witherall [in Western US ski teaching camps with softer snow conditions, there's more emphasis on equal weighting and "sliding" your skis], but until otherwise advised, this book has no equal for learning how skiis work and how to carve and rip through harder packed, iced, Eastern US ski conditions. It will take you to a rad, bad and oh so fine expert level wherever you ski, however freestyle you go.

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In this book Witherell provided competitive skiers with a guide to modern racing technique and offers recreational skiers a more natural and efficient way to ski than is usually taught in ski schools. More than 100 photographs and drawings.

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BreakthroughPLUS Review

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(More customer reviews)My intentions are always good, but I ski rarely and as a result never improve! Howards book has given me new inspiration! There is hope on the horizon, or maybe that should be hope on the fall line! Howards drills are so clear and easy even I can do them! He took my husband from blue to black in one run and after reading his book I think I can do it too! I even found out I am tightening my boots incorrectly! There is no aspect of skiing he doesn't cover in an entertaining and easy to understand style. I would love to have a tear out "cheat sheet" to put in my pocket! (New product idea, Mr. Davis?). If you aren't lucky enough to have Howard as a ski instructor as my husband was, this book is as important as the equipment Howard recommends! Don't go on a ski trip without it! DO go to Telluride to experience Howard in person, he is amazing! He makes skiing feel effortless, a true miracle for me! That cute Australian accent doesn't hurt either!

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The BreakthroughPLUS! program is a 3 day clinic to take Intermediate Skiers into Advanced Skiing. It was created in 2002 by Howard Davis while teaching in Vail. In 2006, herelocated to Telluride, Colorado, where itcontinues to grow and remain current and change skiers lives. Although this book is a manual for the BreakthroughPLUS! program, it also suits any Intermediate skier looking to advance to a higher level.This book explains the program plus gives lots of ski instruction tips and also discusses how to become a Ski Instructor. Written in plain english, it is easy to understand and grasp. A great reminder just before you go skiing each year.

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Mind Over Matter (Delta Expedition) Review

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(More customer reviews)Amazing what they did, but told in a very undignified, uninspired manner. After finishing this I went immediately to Mawson's "Home of the Blizzard" and the contrast not only in writing style but personal qualities is startling. Fiennes complains endlessly, in a petty manner, about his companion-. He keeps teling the reader he is tougher, faster, better navigator, etc. yet he made some major screwups in planning (although he did a good job of avoiding the polar bears!). And the recollections are so self-centered, down to numerous photos of frostbitten toes, fingers etc, plus an hourly update of the status of every blister and hangnail. And he wrote the book after the fact! Scott, Mawson, Shackleton and many other earlier explorers didn't gripe one tenth as much even in their diaries, written in the midst of the pain and agony. And those earlier guys actually noticed their surroundings and wrote of them poetically. Since Fiennes took the trip mainly as fodder for a book (he says so in the book) you'd think he could have offered the reader much more. The earlier explorers accomplished things for the greater good - mapping, meteorlogical recordkeeping, collecting biological specimens, etc. They wrote their books, or published their journals, to finance exploration, not the other way around. And the MS cause seems dubious, considering it wasn't Fiennes' idea, but rather a condition placed on them to get funding. I found it depressing all in all. Much more inspiring to read about Scott freezing out there than this guy surviving.

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Poles Apart: Parallel Visions of the Arctic and Antarctic Review

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(More customer reviews)This is much more than a coffee table book, though its unique photographs of the pristine beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic would impress even the most casual of browsers. A short story about each photo is included, along with more general, thoughtful and poignant commentary from someone that is truly in touch with the global environment. Rowell is one of the great nature photographers, and this is a stunning collection

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The Antarctic: From the Circle to the Pole Review

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(More customer reviews)I had to go to the post office to pick up my package and couldn't wait until I got home to open it. I opened it right there in the post office, "This is beautiful," I said out loud. The layout is so perfect for the pictures - it opens lengthwise. Other people standing in line all had to take a peek and loved it too.

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Antarctica remains largely unknown and infinitely fascinating. Stuart Klipper has traveled to Antarctica six times in twentyyears to photograph this astounding body of workoffering a sweeping look at this majestic continentwhich has lately become central to global climate change concerns. Shot in panoramic format—the only way to encompass a landscapethat seems to stretch on forever—Klipper's work captures major features and surprising details: ships suspended in the frozen seaglowing blue icebergsvistas of endless snowand troops of penguins. This volume's substantial sizepanoramic shapeand unique vertical-opening case emphasize the grandeur of these austere and lovely photographs from the bottom of the world.

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Contour Wearable Camcorder (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Questions I often get~ Where have you been? You don't have one of these yet?
I know show me some footage you say! - You must check the site for some great videos people have made from just quick clips some with no editing at all to full on short movies. I recommend that because there is not enough room to describe how cool this wireless and very light camera is to use - but I'll try! I'm a customer not an employee... and "i am pc!"
Camera is so light and versatile I've used a basic piece of Velcro strapped to my cap visor during golf, stuck it to my bike frame, velcro'd to my motorcycle kickstand, strapped it to ski pole to check a wasp nest, and of course it serves great as a plain ol' helmet cam too.
Someone even stuck it to an RC Plane. Even on their dog for a dog cam view. yup! Set yourself free!! no wires means you will not have to worry about much except wiping out while catching your buddies on film.
With the flick of the glovable slider on/off switch and audible sounds and aiming lasers you are able to basically use it with your eyes closed or even place it where you can't see it during filming. Its got a supermic as well - it will pickup a pin dropping ;o) All which can be adjusted when you edit/censor your movies even add music.
The build quality is very durable and can take impact. Trust me ;o)and the adhesive with supplied mount is semi permanent you may have to use a crowbar to take it off but you do not have to worry even at well ~ unsafe speeds. Basically you can be creative on where you place this camera knowing it will film for over an hour+ of footage at a time. Battery life will last about 3gb or more of video on a good charge.
Package comes with microSD card but Sandisk premier 2gb card is best to use with this unit. This battery should be charged by separate charger which seems to super charge the battery, usb charge by a pc is not going to help you get out there filming quick enough. Specially, when you need 2 batteries for a full day of mtn.biking, or Snowboarding so you still have juice- after you warm up and stop wiping out. The packaged items that come with camera is a good starter kit with a mount, cam, sd card, battery - you have software(which VholdR updates with cool new features every so often) which assists you in producing your video to the VholdR.com site for sharing. Yes, they have a producer hub for you to share your videos.
Oh yah, the desktop software also supports _mac now. of course "I AM PC!"
My VholdR carry along always ready ALLDAY bag contains: 2 batteries and 3 2gb sd cards - since camera software does not yet support larger sd cards. Which really is not a problem because 2gb cards are cheap. Cabela's #2 scope cover for lens, extra stick on mount(never know where you might be)
Quality of video for this unit is not HD but captures quality STABLE videos when moving fast. At slow captures like walking or filming a party its just like any other camera. Some lighting issues may occur depending on where you are filming at high speed, i.e. Night time, shadow/bright light changes.
640x480 is still a fine size which uses less space on SDcard, it sure would be nice to be able to toggle resolution WHEN larger SDHC card support is there.
My VholdR has been thru rain, mud, dirt and has so far over 4months has been such an enjoyable experience i can easily recommend to others.
VholdR receives additional "way cool marks" for providing Desktop Software to help with managing movie uploads. Software updates and firmware updates prove they are not just a camera maker. Oh did i mention a cool site to share your movies for free?
Overall experience is that this is not just a camera - so two swollen thumbs and two purple toes up for this gem of a camera from me!
Ok enough typing... check for yourself get out there and shoot its almost snow season get your angles dialed. Where you been?
my best examples would be ~ thatsMOCKFOO on VholdR website btw, i have no idea who that nut is!
~ go get some videos people!VholdR Wearable Camcorder (Black)
My only negatives are,
* 2gb max microsd support(not a big deal) after cutting up videos i find smaller clips are easier to manage anyways.
* When the battery dies if you are still in ON mode - your video is not closed so the last video clip could be corrupt. So I changed my habit until that is figured out.
* Making shorter clips is easier to manage I've found. Just accept turning it off then on about an hour into video or gauge your battery life like a gas tank. You can check how much battery and sd card is left by pressing the button btw.
* Lighting changes from super dark shadows transition to super bright sections of trail may take a short while for focus depending on where camera is mounted. Not many cameras can handle this anyways.
These are minor negatives but prevent a 5 from me.
Still a super camera for a such a light wireless and reasonably priced for good action video camera that i won't mind thrashing a bit filming in the elements. This is a rugged camera which you can capture action in ways you may not with your bulky thousand dollar HD camera. Like strapping it to your snowboard or your motorcycle kickstand, or how about your mountain bike pedal? Escape from the paradigm of the helmet cam.

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Contour is a wearable, hands-free camcorder designed to shoot action video. Weighing just a few ounces, it is designed to attach to helmets, handlebars, vehicles, flat surface and more. Its brushed aluminum armor is rugged and withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow. The Contour records up to 2-hours of TV quality audio and video to an internal MicroSD card. Its operation couldn’t be simpler with a single on and off switch. Even when wearing gloves, the oversized magnetic button can be operated easily for one click recording. To view video, simply attach the Contour to any computer using the USB cable, and the Contour Desktop Software will appear. The software allows you to watch, tag, and easily share your videos online at VholdR.com. Features: Shoot to share online technology; One touch on and off switch; Laser activated smart leveling; Hardware-based processor for TV quality AUDIO and VIDEO; 640 x 480 resolution; Records up to 2-hours of video footage; Mounts to any surface; Rugged and withstands dust, dirt, mud, and snow; Water and shock resistant; PC based Contour Desktop Software to help watch, tag, and share videos; Videos in both Mac and PC file types; VholdR.com – Is an online community for video sharing, networking and connecting with other like-minded sports enthusiasts, friends and family; Included: Contour, Software, Standard Mount, USB Cable, Battery, 1GB MicroSD Card, Quick Start Guide. Specifications: Weight: 4.8oz; Lens: Size: 3.6mm, 90° Viewing Angle; Audio: Waterproof Microphone; Video: Video size pixels (lines):640x480 (480 lines), Frame rate: 30fps, File Type: mpeg4, Video rate: 50min/GB, Avg. battery life: 2 hours; Camera: Sensor Type: CMOS, Quality: Minimum illumination: 0.04 Lux @f/1.2, High sensitivity for low-light operation; Inputs/Outputs/Controls: Media: 2 GB MicroSD Card, Battery: Removable lithium polymer; Output: Mini USB 2.0; Tech Support: 206.792.5223, Support@VholdR.com

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Brunton Three-section Monopod for Binoculars and Transits Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the Brunton monopod for use as a walking stick for hiking, and a little added stability for my ultra zoom digital camera. It's very light at 9.5 ounces (approx a half a pound), but still works as a very sturdy walking stick. It collapses to a portable 25.5 inches, and extends to 62.5 inches. Most of the other double duty (monopod and walking stick) poles were about the same length collapsed, but a good 10 inches shorter than the Brunton fully extended which could be a problem for a tall photographer. It has a nice foam rubber handle, and a rubber tip to provide ample traction. No carbide tip, but that wasn't a huge concern for me. With the lower portion partially or fully collapsed and the upper portion fully extended there's little to no flex when applying significant weight (leaning 200+ lbs onto the pole). With the lower leg fully extended the pole flexes some when applying significant weight, but not enough to be a problem in my experience. The weight of a camera would never make this flex, so no worries in that department. Overall I'm very satisfied, and the price on Amazon can't be beat.

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Our monopod¿s quick set-up makes it a favorite for lightweight packers who use binoculars, scopes or cameras. It¿s also sturdy enough to be used as a walking stick.

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Eddie Bauer Hiking Pole Review

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(More customer reviews)As always with this shipper - service was perfect. Product arrived ahead of schedule, well packed and accompanied by a friendly letter.
6 stars out of 5.
Harry Marks

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This is the best collapsible hoking pole we have yet found. It is extremely durable and was able to support extraordinary weight and stress. These come with a limited lifetime warranty. If you order 2, we will re-imburse shipping on the 2nd unit.

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Collapsible Aluminum Shock-Absorbing Hiking Pole - Walking Stick with Camera Mono-Pod (Colors may vary) Review

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(More customer reviews)After reading the previous reviews that didn't have the specifics I wanted, I took a chance, and here's what I have so far: total weight is 10 oz. Extended this trekking pole measures 54" (a bit short for a monopod), collapsed it is 27". It telescopes at two points, both which use twist/friction locks. Once locked, I could put considerable weight on the pole without any slipping, the pole bowing some instead. The grip is foam rubber (a plus in the rain) and the wrist strap is both adjustable and removable. The teeth on the carbide tip are not as deep as other treking poles I have used. The cap for the tip is push on, not screw or twist on, so there is some risk of losing it. The baskets are threaded, reducing the risk of losing them. The woodem knob unscrews to reveal a camera mounting screw. The compass doesn't work on mine.
Overall it is what I'm looking for, but I will post an update after I actually take it backpacking.

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