No comments about Philippine Folk Tales.

5 comments about An Entirely Synthetic Fish: How Rainbow Trout Beguiled America and Overran the World.

1. This book has a lot of detail but does not get bogged down nor is it boring. It is very engaging and will most likely be read very quickly. The main emphasis is on history with information on the science and technology of hatchery trout second. The author also talks a little about the future of trout and hatcheries.



2. 
   Environmental havoc that is.
   
   This very good book is not just for anglers, ichthyologists, or other fishy folk; it's for anybody interested in environmental issues and man's interactions with nature.
   
   Halverson tells the story (so over the top that sometimes it seems he's spinning a yarn) of the misplaced efforts to manipulate nature and "improve fisheries" through the widespread stocking of hatchery raised rainbow trout. In the 19th century fishing was seen as a means of protecting "dexterity in the arts of pursuit and destruction, courage and self-reliance". There was widespread concern that deterioration of these skills would compromise the nation's ability to "...maintain inviolate our rights and our liberties". As the author summarizes the prevailing mood at the time, "Say goodbye to recreational fishing, in other words, and say goodbye to American democracy".
   
   Fishing at the time was threatened as a result of the wanton environmental destruction of the industrial revolution. And rather than dealing with the root causes, the government's response was aggressive stocking of rainbow trout, which were more resistant to poor water conditions than native species such as brook trout.
   
   It's amazing to follow the chronicle of the various rationales that continued to support this practice to the present day. Also astonishing is the variety of unintended consequences of this activity, which has irretrievably altered ecosystems and eliminated native species in this country, and eventually around the world.
   
   Halverson's style is engaging and accessible and he manages to avoid sanctimony in making his points. He approaches the whole subject with humility and a sense that the answers are not all known, and perhaps not knowable.
   
   Hopefully a measure of humility will replace hubris as we steward the resources of our planet in the 21st century.
   
   Highly recommended.



3. I must admit that I bought the book based on the cover. Indeed, rainbow trout beguiled me at a young age, and I have spent nearly 50 years watching, catching, and smoking these beautiful creatures.
   
   Sadly though, this book is just an arrogant hatchet job on a species which did nothing wrong but attract the attention of humans. I think Anders Halverson has gone right out of his head over the issue of stocker trout. He equates them with environmental catastrophe sounding the alarm that they have decimated endangered species like mountain yellow legged frogs. Interestingly, my 40+ years of hiking and fishing the Sierra Nevada have not drawn the same conclusion. For example, I was fly fishing Mono Creek last year and catching nice rainbows, all the while I had to watch where I stepped because there were endangered frogs in the same water. Frogs have also disappeared from lakes where rainbow trout have not been present, and the likely culprit has been determined to be a fungus that is being spread around the world by ecotourists and their muddy hiking boots. So much for evil rainbow trout. This environmental insanity continues to harm recreation, tourism, and the economy because as I write this review, it is illegal for Fish and Game, or anybody, for that matter, to plant trout into any body of water in the Eastern Sierra because of claims that it will impact the willow flycatcher, a small bird. How somebody made that connection is beyond my limited experience, I guess. I have worked for NOAA Fisheries, California Fish and Game, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on various fishery projects, but I must be really ignorant for thinking that New Zealand Mud Snails and Whirling Disease have been spread around North America by fly fishermen and their muddy waders, and not stocker rainbow trout. The author of this book is convinced that hatcheries are to blame, and nothing else. The facts support me, and not the author, I am afraid. Of course, its always fun to blame stocker trout.
   
   I suspect that these attacks on rainbow trout are more about the people who like to fish for them, than any real environmental concern. I can only imagine the disdain these environmental elite must hold for people who smoke cigarettes, drink beer, and use worms to catch stocker rainbow trout in the local fishing hole. If these elitists like Anders could have their way, it would be illegal to hunt, fish, or wear camo. They assume the position of the environmental gestapo and use everything they have at their disposal to try and eliminate outdoor recreation that doesn't suit their fancy. Ban this, and ban that. They envision this world where everything is either a wilderness area, or a national park. I have custom bamboo fly rods in my closet that cost more than I care to admit. I love the sport. But just because some clown can buy a grand in LL Bean equipment and stand in a river waving a stick, does not make anybody Hemingway. This book really smacks of arrogance, hate, disrespect for fellow humans, and selfishness. Sadly, this book is just one more example of the political discord in America that has become all too divided. Blaming stocker trout for the folly of man is mindless. This book really pissed me off.
   
   So as I wrap this up, all I can say is: Long live the sluggo stocker rainbow mongrel trout! If it wasn't for these fish, most children would catch almost nothing. The great American family tradition of camping, and catching a fish to supplement the family meal would be over. We will become a nation of video game morons, stuffing our faces with Cheetos, and with no desire to experience the outdoors. Stocker rainbow trout are a gateway drug to the great outdoors. Lets give everyone this chance to love the persuit of this wonderful fish.



4. The book is both a good read and provides, in some detail, a history and the resulting consequences of our attempts to manipulate nature in the form of a manufactured replacement fish for the fresh water fisheries we destroy or attempt to improve. The author is careful to provide the historic context under which decisions were made and to provide excellent notes and a bibliography. The latter contains much hard to find information and is likely worth the book price by itself. This book shoud be read by every thoughtful environmentally-concerned freshwater fisherman.



5. I know little about fish or fishing, but I know fisherman like to go for rainbow trout, a good fish to have at the end of your line or to have in your frying pan. The rainbow trout is found all over our nation, and stands for conservation, and unspoiled waters, and the bounty of nature when nature is not trammeled by humans. Except that it does not really stand for any of these things. Maybe fisherman know all about this already, but for me, the revelations in _An Entirely Synthetic Fish: How Rainbow Trout Beguiled America and Overran the World_ (Yale University Press) were a surprise. The author Anders Halverson is a journalist, and has a doctorate in ecology, and likes to fish. He has hunted all through historical documents of government and conservation organizations, and interviewed plenty of researchers and others who have helped make the rainbow trout ubiquitous, or who are now trying to reduce its range. This is not just a fish book. It is a carefully written history of how we think about our natural resources, and about the paradoxes and dangers of trying to control the natural world.
   
   Rainbow trout are native to waters feeding into the Pacific, in an arc that extends up from northern Mexico, though the northeastern states, and over to far eastern Russia. That doesn't matter anymore. They have been introduced to the Atlantic states, and in fact to every state. The only reason they aren't in Antarctica is that there is a lack of trout streams there; they are now on every other continent. A century ago, American fishing gentlemen were convinced that standing by a stream with rod and line was going to maintain our citizens' virility and make our democracy stronger, but fish like the eastern brook trout were not able to withstand the pollution and higher temperatures we were inflicting on our streams. These men shunned the bottom-feeding catfish. They simply needed a better trout, and the rainbow was it. The states with streams to be stocked thought this was all dandy. A recent report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that if you spend a dollar on growing and stocking rainbows, you can expect thirty-two dollars back in hotel reservations, rod sales, and airplane tickets. Everyone knows (now) that if you move a species into a region in which it did not evolve, you are liable to change things in unexpected ways. Though rainbows were often imported with the idea of adding their diversity to the local fauna, they have decreased such diversity overall. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has acted intentionally to decrease the diversity so that the rainbow trout could prosper. In 1962, the service deliberately poisoned sections of the Green River in Utah and Wyoming with "piscicide" to get rid of the pesky fish that lived there naturally. There were some complaints by academics and ecologists at the time, but the chemical got dumped in the river, and the antidote that was supposed to be dumped downriver to neutralize it and keep it from heading on through National Parks properties didn't get there, and so there was even more of an ecological disaster. This was made worse as a public relations matter because three weeks later Rachel Carson's _Silent Spring_ was published, infuriating some constituents who would not let their representatives in Washington hear the last of it. There were four species of "trash fish" that were to be killed to let the rainbows in; all are now on the endangered species list.
   
   Halverson's book, however, is not shrill about the many preposterous and presumptuous tinkerings with the environment that have been done for the sake of bringing more rainbows to our streams. There are few villains or fools in this story of the century since this unnatural fish has been taking over the world's fresh water systems. Many of the public servants profiled here, whether their decisions were good ones or not, were taking steps based on the best information they had at the time, with the intention of helping anglers, and with no prospect of making any material gain by their actions. Halverson tells many connected stories here in a convincing and fascinating book, and generally refrains from making judgments or regrets. There are inherent paradoxes anytime humans try to take control of nature. Fishermen may think that they are escaping from civilization by getting back to nature to pursue their prey, but it turns out the fish that many are pursuing are mere products of industrialization after all.

5 comments about The Bearded Dragon Manual (Advanced Vivarium Systems).

1. This is a wonderful book for any Bearded Dragon owner! I give a thumbs up!



2. I have personally Been keeping bearded dragons for over 6 years, I also have many different books on bearded dragons. This book is ok, not the best but i have read worse. The book is a little behind times and will give you some out of date information. this book is full of good information and has alot of very detailed and beautiful pictures. All in all there are better Bearded dragon books out on the market, but this one is better than most.



3. this book is loaded with useful and quality information. It includes all sucjects needed for maintaining a healthy dragon. it has all of the subjects from diet to habitat.



4. I got this book after I got the dragon. I wish I had the book first. I found out I don't like the little buggers and gave the thing away to a friend with the book in tow. Book is well written and easy to read. It shows all the concerns a dragon owner should be aware of and proper care and maintenance. It might be a little outdated, with the new foods that are ready to eat that are produced for them. Also, not a lot on personalities, but I didn't expect much on that either.



5. This book is an easy read that provides excellent information on the care of Bearded Dragons. Before you get your dragon, get this book! It could mean the difference between a happy healthy lizard and a dead one.
   
   Already have a dragon? Get the book anyway. You could still learn some things that will make your pet's life better.

5 comments about The Leopard Gecko Manual: Includes African Fat-Tailed Geckos (Advanced Vivarium Systems).

1. This book has all you need to know and more about geckos. Outstanding info,great work!!!!



2. this book is a must for first time gecko owners. excelent choice for children as it is easy to read and full of color pictures.



3. we were given an adult female gecko and this book was very helpful in the cluing us in on how to properly care for these wonderful lizards. With all the detailed pictures and neat facts it is a must have if one wants to learn more and care for leopard gecko's



4. This is a good manual for people starting out and for those who want to try a hand at breeding. If you already have a gecko and a good idea of how to care for it - it is basically a repeat of what you already know. For those that have a gecko, a good idea of how to care for it, and wish to take a stab at breeding - it provides excellent information.



5. The leopard gecko is a fascinating little animal. We've immensely enjoyed "B.J." in our home, and this book has lots of good information on all aspects of providing the proper environment, healthcare, and diet for your pet. Pay special information to the information on longevity, though. Unlike other reptiles such as the anole, leopard geckos have long life spans. The longest lived male in captivity is 29 and the longest lived female is 21. Females, in general, live considerably shorter life spans than males, but they still have typical lifespans longer than that of the domesticated cat. Many people buy a leopard gecko for their child expecting that the reptile will live only two or three years, then get rid of the animal when they realize their error and the length of the commitment involved.
   
   As for the details of the book, it thoroughly explains sexing and selection of a good specimen for those who have not purchased a gecko yet. The section on housing your gecko shows you how to construct a naturalistic vivarium. If you are interested in breeding geckos, there is information on that subject plus the research of Dr. Brian Viets on temperature sex determination and coloration in case you want to specify those aspects of the geckos you breed. Also for you breeders, there are thorough instructions on the set-up and calibration of a home-made incubator. Roger Klingenberg, DVM, covers the diseases of the leopard gecko and their treatment in one dedicated chapter. Ron Tremper has a chapter on color and pattern variation illustrated primarily by photos of his own geckos. Tremper has developed much of what is now known about so-called "designer" leopard geckos. There is a nice section at the end of the book on other interesting geckos such as the Arizona Banded, the Texas Banded, the Central American Banded, the African Clawed, the Japanese Leopard, and the Malaysian Cat Geckos. There are plenty of eye-catching photos spread throughout the book.
   
   This book may have more information than you need if you are a "casual" leopard gecko owner, but that is better than having insufficient information.

4 comments about Hermit Crabs For Dummies.

1. This book is easy to read and understand. It was shipped quickly and I am glad I decided to buy it.



2. nice small book but I expected more. It is really the basis that you can find on the internet for free. Expected a bigger one, more precise book. But I am not really deceive. It's okay for children or teens to whom you offer landcrabs. For adults it's not that great.



3. This is a great book for hermit crab owners. There is soo much information about owning hermit crabs, how to pick one out, set up the habitat and so much more. I recommend this book to anyone.



4. I have one other hermit crab book and this one is so much more complete. It has great information and is an easy read. The only thing I find it lacked for me was more information on hermit crab molting process. I had to look that up online and found the best information on a site where I do most of my hermit crab shopping a shop called The Hermit Crab Patch, formerly known as The Crabbage Patch. I highly recommend the book though to anyone that has or wants to have hermit crabs. If you want or your child wants hermit crabs, please buy this book prior to getting them to make sure you can afford the proper set up to care for them. Hermit Crabs require special care to keep them alive, and the proper set up can be expensive to set up. It is recommended you get your habitat set up long before buying your crab. Buy this book, you need it!

5 comments about Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies.

1. This book had numerous errors in identifying species in pictures and some errors on the care of the more exotic turtles that are listed in this book. It reads like the author(s) didn't have that much experience with many of the turtles in this book especially the more exotic animals and I'm not sure why they would even include them in this book as it is aimed at beginners.
   
   It does properly address basic setups so you have an idea of what you are getting into before you buy a turtle. However if you bought this book after you bought the turtle it doesn't really tell you much more than turtles are aquatic and tortoises live on land as well as basic diet overviews.
   
   Also the species profiles in this book are not worth the paper they are written on, you would be better off finding a care sheet written by a experienced keeper on the internet.



2. I can't even make it through this book because of all the errors in it--many bad suggestions on habitats and food for example. Also, the focus is way off for the average reader, as mentioned in some other reviews. Not worth my time to finish reading it. There is much better information available online for free from some reputable websites.



3. I never received this book. Sent an email to seller never received an answer. Bad, bad!!!! Very disappointed. Yes, it is paid for!



4. Clear, easy-to-read, easy-to-follow information about turtles and tortises. I purchased this book after becoming a guardian to an Arizona desert tortise. These creatures are protected and found in small areas of Nevada, California and Arizona, and there is not much information about them to be found. This book had more useful information than I received from any other source.



5. Given that this book is obviously aimed at the beginner it would make sense for the book to offer decent info for commonly available species; mud and musk turtles, painted turtles, cooters, sliders, maybe Russian and Greek tortises, salcuttas, and some others. However, it doesn't.

   The book focuses an insane amount on the large, expensive (often over 1,000US), rare-in-captivity tortises like the Galapagos and aldabra tortise, which are exactly what the novice keeper wont' likely be buying. The common, affordable, and easier to keep turtles and tortises are given short shrift in this book. They may get a line or two, but that's about it.
   Furthermore, what information is given seems suspect; reccomended cage sizes tend to be on the small side, temps can be off, as can humidity. It's really not worth having--I threw my copy away.

1 comments about Bearded Dragons: A Complete Guide to Pogona Vitticeps (Complete Herp Care).

1. This book has all the current infomation and is the most up to date book I have read yet. This book as up to date and will not give you faulty information like some books out there today. If you own a bearded dragon and would like a book to help you better understand how to care for them then this book is a must have.

5 comments about Red-Eared Sliders: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems.

1. The information in this book is all accurate. The author clearly knows what he is talking about. Unfortunatley there isn't much detail about certain aspects of owning a red-eared slider such as how much to feed it, issues of egg binding, behavior, how they process sensory input (vision and smell)etc. I was actually able to find more information on certain websites after doing a Google search. Not worth the money.



2. I have used this book for a couple of years now sort of as my "Bible" on raising my slider turtles, thanks to it I was able to sucessfully raise a hatchling & make upgrades to my setup to meet the needs of 3 growing turtles. It covers a broad spectrum of just about everything you need to know from housing to feeding to breeding. This is just a great book!!



3. All you ever wanted to know about this particular yet popular pet. Easy to read, all topics covered, small, cheap, get it.



4. I like this book because it easy reading.



5. This is a good basic book about red-eared sliders. You will learn details about sex identification and varieties, environmental needs, diseases, feeding, and even breeding. The author does a good job of describing the types and sizes of enclosures needed, water filtration, basking and light needs, and temperature. The need to have an easy system of water cleaning is emphasized. There is some discussion about recognizing symtoms of sickness and how to solve the problem usually either through changes in the environment or diet. Even with a book such as this, caring for turtles would definitely be somewhat of a learn as you go endeavor. This book can get one started but careful observation and fine tuning is required.

5 comments about The Lizard King: The True Crimes and Passions of the World's Greatest Reptile Smugglers.

1. Awesome look at the rare animal smuggling trade. Christy does a great job of populating the book with the various characters and oddballs who travel in these circles. He knows just when to put in that quirky extra details that lifts an anecdote from good to great.



2. 1st--I'm amazed to see Bill Love commenting on a reptile book. It'd be like seeing Jimmy Hendrix commenting on someone's guitar album.
   
   I've been keeping reptiles since I was 12 or 13, and I remember some of these events, and characters. When I was an adolescent, Strictly Reptile's nickname was Sickly Reptiles...that place had a distinctly unsavory reputation attached to it (apparently it's back in business and I'm unaware of any improvement in it's rep). The author mostly avoids demonizing people--even the Nostrands. The subject is treated fairly well, but I was disappointed that the author didn't delve into the mortality rate of the seized animals. One thing that's always angered me about USFW is the fate of far too many animals taken in the course of an investigation. They mostly die, in large part due to the fact there's not a good enough network in place to care for them. USFW hypes itself on protecting endangered species, but the animals they seize don't seem to fare well under their care, which is a depressing irony.
   
   The saga of strictly's is fairly well known, as is the busting of Wong (which I found hysterical) but it's good to have it all written down in one place, and I appreciate the mostly even handed treatment that the author gives the subject. I just wish the writing were clearer--timelines can jump around, as can focus, particularly in the earlier chapters. The characters are odd, and sympathetic at times, even the bad guys. Black and white simplicity is eschewed in favor of a more detailed approach to both the criminals and the LEOs and agencies, something refreshing.



3. Who knew selling snakes was so lucrative? The Lizard King: The True Crimes and Passions of the World's Greatest Reptile Smugglers goes inside the exotic world of reptile smuggling. I've read other books about the wildlife trade, who consumes what, and why (notably Richard Ellis' Tiger Bone & Rhino Horn: The Destruction of Wildlife for Traditional Chinese Medicine). Christy takes a fresh perspective. He goes beyond the headlines and statistics and take use deep into the criminal syndicates and personalities engaged in the trade. He really makes his characters come alive: the reptile smuggler who curses out agents but loves his family passionately; the Asian wildlife kingpin who reeks of smooth confidence; and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife agent who cares about animals and the rules. All are unforgettable individuals who are so fascinating yet so real.
   
   Overall, The Lizard King is a fun, quick read. At times, the book reads like a Mario Puzzo novel - except that it's all true, based on Christy's extensive interviews with the main people involved in the drama. I recommend this book for anybody who cares about wildlife or anybody who loves to read a crimes novel.



4. Overall I really liked this book. It contained many intertwined stories about how the history of the reptile keeping hobby got to be what it is today. I was amazed at the audacity of the smugglers in their lack of humanity and care for their cargo and the lengths that they would go to for profit and notoriety.
   
   However, I didn't feel that the actual writing was very smooth or flowing, as the author jumped around in the story and some of transitions to new ideas seemed choppy and discordant. Otherwise, based on the considerable research done for this book, and the fascinating information that was imparted, I would recommend this to anyone interested in the "behind the scenes" aspect of the reptile hobby. It had a lot to offer in the shock value department, and contained sordid details on individuals and companies that are still around today that might not be easily accessible in any other avenue.
   
   I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 only based on the writing style, as the content itself was remarkable.



5. Christy does an amazing job at describing the reptile trade, and its foes, as it is. While he, rightly in my opinion, praises some actors in the book who are fighting for causes they believe in, he overall gives an objective view of the players and does not attempt to take a biased view on the subject, or cast the smugglers as inherently evil.
   
   The book focuses on reptile smugglers, by definition those who profit on taking wild animals from their native habitats for people's amusement. Naturally, these individuals will not come off as likeable by most. Yet Christy surprisingly manages to portray them as humans too, explain where they came from and why they are in this business.
   
   Christy also repeatedly shows the lackadaisical, shoe-string budgeted, and feebly-enforced nature of our (US) wildlife protection laws. You will come out better informed about the incredible odds the USFWS and allied agencies face when trying to take on poachers, wildlife smugglers, etc. in the important work that they do.
   
   I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in reptiles, the pet business, wildlife protection, or animal rights. It is incredibly well-written and like several other reviewers I couldn't put it down and finished it in less than one day. If you're interested in any of the subjects I mentioned, you surely will enjoy this book.

5 comments about Corn Snakes: The Comprehensive Owner's Guide (Herpetocultural Library, The).

1. Any one who owns or is interested in owning a corn snake needs this book. It may not cover any new ground but really not much more has been learned about the keeping of corn snakes in the last 5 to 10 years. This is a great book for a beginner and covers almost every problem that a corn snake owner could expect to come across.



2. Great book to get you started learning about corn snakes. I just bought my first corn snake,and this book anwsered a lot of questions I had. A must book for beginers or people thinking about getting a corn snake.



3. item is fine. Did not ship when promised. I paid extra for expedited shipping and did not get it.



4. This book has great information on care of corn snakes, in fact for me it went overboard with the breeding of them, which is not bad, just more information than I could absorb. The authors (whom I have seen lecture as well) are passionate about the breeding and keeping of corn snake. This is a must for anyone considering keeping one of these guys as a pet



5. Helps you to know even more about your snakes even if you already know alot this book will help you to know alot more..