8 posts tagged “uw”

Book #062: Prager & Earle - The Oceans...*

Mar 23, 2008

Synopsis: "Over two-thirds of the earth is covered by bodies of water that many believe hold the secrets to the beginnings of life. In this absorbing survey of oceanography, Prager (Furious Earth) and Earle (The Living Ocean: Understanding and Protecting Marine Biodiversity) chronicle the development of the science of oceans and the evolution of life within the briny deep and shallow estuaries. The authors narrate the "grand epic" of life's evolution from its earliest beginnings (between 4.5 and 1 billion years ago) to the flowering of sea life in the Cambrian period (about 550 million years ago). They examine the geological evidence of life's development, and the physical and chemical properties of the ocean-- the effects of oceans on climate, coastal upwellings, deep-sea circulation, rip currents and rogue waves--as well as the beauties and mysteries of sea life and, through accounts of various marine biomes, microbes and mammals, the tremendous diversity of marine life. Throughout, Prager and Earle debunk myths about the existence of Jaws-like sharks and other marine creatures. Finally, they contend that if the oceans continue to be exploited in the ways they have been over just the past 30 years, they may die. Therefore, the authors argue, governments must give high priority to the study of oceans simply because "to preserve the sea is to preserve life on Earth." This elegant study is an excellent resource for scientists, teachers and all lovers of the ocean." (from Publishers Weekly)

Rating: 3 of 5 stars.

Book #061: Robert Kunzig - Mapping the Deep...*

Mar 23, 2008
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Mapping the Deep: The Extraordinary Story of Ocean Science

Synopsis: "A vivid, up-to-date tour of the Earth's last frontier, a remote and mysterious realm that nonetheless lies close to the heart of even the most land-locked reader. The sea covers seven-tenths of the Earth, but we have mapped only a small percentage of it. The sea contains millions of species of animals and plants, but we have identified only a few thousand of them. The sea controls our planet's climate, but we do not really understand how. The sea is still the frontier, and yet it seems so familiar that we sometimes forget how little we know about it. Just as we are poised on the verge of exploiting the sea on an unprecedented scale-mining it, fertilizing it, fishing it out-this book reminds us of how much we have yet to learn. More than that, it chronicles the knowledge explosion that has transformed our view of the sea in just the past few decades, and made it a far more interesting and accessible place. From the Big Bang to that far-off future time, two billion years from now, when our planet will be a waterless rock; from the lush crowds of life at seafloor hot springs to the invisible, jewel-like plants that float at the sea surface; from the restless shifting of the tectonic plates to the majestic sweep of the ocean currents, Kunzig's clear and lyrical prose transports us to the ends of the Earth." (from back of book)

Rating: 3 of 5 stars.

Rattlesnake Ledge, WA 2008.01.27...*

Feb 1, 2008
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Rattlesnake Ledge, WA 2008.01.27

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Rattlesnake Ledge, WA 2008.01.27

A busier vacation than school...*

May 31, 2007
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The Washington Arboretum:

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After a full week of finals and work and traveling across the entire United States to Maine to finally enjoy the first sweet days of summer vacation... (That trip is going to be awesome...)

"Here's what's up:

Thurs, June 7:    Dad will likely fly in from Pennsylvania to Maine
                         Anna and Cindy will likely arrive from Vermont to visit a few days

Fri. June 8:         Cony Senior Award Ceremony 12 -3
                          Anna, Mom, Dad, Cindy attend
                          Anna and Cindy may drive to Massachusetts for a frisbee tryout (til Sat evening)

Sat.June 9: Tim arrives about 3 pm in Portland (one hour drive home)
Anna, Cindy, Seamon and Zach arrive in Winthrop to stay overnight

Sun. June 10: Anna's graduation 4 pm at Augusta Civic Center (All attend)
Dad will likely fly back to Pennsylvania in evening (or next morning)

Wed-Fri June 13-15: Tim starts work

Mon-Fri June 11-15: Mom finishes up work at Augusta school (light schedule)

We are going to invite the Liberas for the graduation."

Home-made cooking.....................................................................................................................................!

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Hiking: Annette Lake, Washington, 2007.05.26*

May 27, 2007
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Llamas. Of course. :)

Current Designs "Storm" model kayak...*

May 20, 2007
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So there's a new seakayak now in the inventory. Instead of the Necky "Eskia", I tried out this new Current Designs "Storm" model. Very much like the Eskia. A little lighter, sleeker and pointier, but still a big flat-bottom and bulky tank. The color is white which is a little off-key but still it glides just a bit faster than the Eskia.

Dad's looking into buying the Wilderness Systems "Pamlico 145" model because of the 2-and-1 component, slim bottom. Doesn't look like anything else special to me. Alone, I would just use the rowing shell. More serves the purpose for a two-person day out on the pond/lake with the family and visiting friends.

Today's course: 21.04 miles in 4 hours and 27 minutes. Conditions: Dark fog, cold stormy rain, and waves entire day.

2007.05.20 - Paddle

Chan Marshall is such a MILF... I guess her music is pretty good too. :)

Cat Power - He War

cat power - maybe not

cat power-nude as the news

Cat Power - Cross Bones Style

Some recent purchases...*

May 5, 2007
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)

Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche

Just finished making an order on Amazon and am currently waiting for a number of books to arrive. The earlier-mentioned limited edition Haruki Murakami Sleep actually has a listing on Amazon, so I discovered. Of course it will never be "available" for sale. Also got an upgrade for SD card memory.

2x 2gb cards for $10 each! You can't complain with a $120.00 savings. Also bought some books at the local second-hand bookstores.

Today was opening boat day down on Lake Washington. Every big-wig had lined up all their fancy-shcmansy yachts in a row and made a big to-do in prep for the coming day. Yesterday was very sunny and warm and much beer and music was being blasted around the 520 and Montlake as the Husky Crew got ready for their race. Today was a little less warm but still an awesome day on the lake.

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Thank Goodness It's Friday (the 13th!)... Relax...*

Apr 13, 2007
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Thanks to the Tartan Podcast, I discovered the Portuguese artist: Sara Tavares on Mellow Monday Show #25. Actually, I guess I really like this one song of her's: "Balance".

Sara Tavares - Balance

Rainy in Seattle today. Very nice and quiet. White sound. Not the same as at night. Nobody knows what I mean when I describe the "deafening sound of silence." I think you might have to have grown up in the country to understand. I mean, trying to fall asleep at night and being unable to because there is a sound so large that there is nothing to contrast it. It is like this humongous static. I have yet to meet someone who also hears it.

Found a penny head's side up. Wish: Good weather

this weekend. Stupid... but that's all I wanted then.

Which also reminds me. Lost my cash card yesterday. It was ironic because I was just patting myself on the back the day before for my tendency of not having lost or misplaced anything in a long while, especially my wallet and important similar things. Anyway,

I had given up and decided to cancel it in the morning when I got a message from someone saying that they had found my card and was wondering when they could return it to me. So I got it back and was very grateful. It just goes to break the rule of : "You can't trust a cook under 30...eh?" I wish I could return the favor, but then they would have to lose their wallet first for that.

Today's course: ~21 miles in 2 hours and 55 minutes. Probably head out around Mercer Island this weekend.