The Elusive Eden: A New History of California Review

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(More customer reviews)History can be exciting, especially when the high points are rendered with such immediacy and clarity. California is both a microcosm and macrocaosm of American History. Richard Rice makes this connection resonant from the original Sutter's Mill gold rush to the current Silicon Valley "gold rush". The themes that define California are U.S. history writ large. Rice lets the reader appreciate California from a variety of personal perspectives: Henry Dana's in "Two Years Before The Mast", Leland Stanford and the other "robber barrons", Hiram Johnson and the reformers, into world war two and the Nisei internees, down through Reagan and the Brown family, and into current times. The history of water rights, which was the basis of the movie Chinatown, becomes a compelling and more accurate story here. The lucid prose is admirably supported by evocative photography. Discover California as it really was and is.

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The Elusive Eden charts the historical development of California, beginning with the evolution of the landscape and climate and the arrival of the first inhabitants, the Indians, through social, political, and environmental controversies of the present and the future. The book portrays a land of remarkable richness and complexity, settled by waves of people from diverse cultures. The text is organized chronologically into 10 parts, each developing a major theme or issue for a particular period in California's history. The first chapter of each part is a narrative that spotlights and dramatizes the personal responses of significant individuals at critical moments of historical change. The authors stress issues of current importance such as: ethnic groups, women, environmental history and social and cultural history.

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Poetry by Doing: New Approaches to Reading, Writing, and Appreciating Poetry Review

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(More customer reviews)"Poetry By Doing" was chosen to be recorded for the blind and dyslexic by RFB&D. The book was endorsed by many of the readers who recorded it, many of them with backgrounds in teaching and/or English. The choice of poems is enlightening and more original than most anthologies. A very clearly explained text is enjoyable reading for fun as well for educating students and is intelligently interactive. The typeface is pleasing and easy to read. Highly recommended by several educators who purchased copies for their own use.

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Schaum's Outlines Vector Analysis (And An Introduction to Tensor Analysis) Review

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(More customer reviews)The one published in 1959 deserves to be one of the finest books written about vectors .The way it deals with the subject prepare the reader smoothly in mastering the basics of vector analysis, its for the engineer, physicist and mathematician.
By the way the full name of the book is "Vector Analysis and an Introduction to Tensor Analysis"

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Confusing Textbooks? Missed Lectures? Not Enough Time?
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More than 40 million students have trusted Schaum's Outlines to help them succeed in the classroom and on exams. Schaum's is the key to faster learning and higher grades in every subject. Each Outline presents all the essential course information in an easy-to-follow, topic-by-topic format. You also get hundreds of examples, solved problems, and practice exercises to test your skills.
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This Schaum's Outline gives you
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Practice problems with full explanations that reinforce knowledge.
Coverage of the most up-to-date developments in your course field.
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Fully compatible with your classroom text, Schaum's highlights all the important facts you need to know. Use Schaum's to shorten your study time-and get your best test scores!
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Geometry DeMYSTiFieD, 2nd Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)because of the topic coverage. I picked this up because, though a math teacher, I really don't like Geometry. Never have. This book covers some of what a high school student would need in just a few chapters. So, Why aren't I recommending it to students needing help? Because the author completely skips proofs, which is what most students are having trouble with. It also has no chapter dealing with circles and theorems related to them. What it does cover it covers in a highly interesting and original way (why does a stool have three legs instead of four?). It is also filled with topics not covered in a high school geometry course, but which are very interesting on their own. Given the authors other books' titles, this is perhaps "geometry for electricians and hobbyists". If you are someone with bad memories of geometry, but you would like to try revisiting it, then this is highly recommended. It would also be a good outside source for students doing well in Geometry but wanting to read about some higher level topics (including 3 - 4 - and higher dimensional geometry.) The book has loads of multiple choice test questions, so you can see how well you are understanding what you are reading, but it has no detailed solutions in the back--just the correct answers. (techinical point: readers should know that the author teaches polar coordinates "backwards" from the way we teach it in Trigonometry. The form is (r, theta), NOT (theta, r).)

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A new ANGLE to learning GEOMETRY
Trying to understand geometry but feel like you're stuck in another dimension? Here's your solution. Geometry Demystified, Second Edition helps you grasp the essential concepts with ease.
Written in a step-by-step format, this practical guide begins with two dimensions, reviewing points, lines, angles, and distances, then covers triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and the Cartesian plane. The book goes on to discuss three dimensions, explaining surface area, volume, vectors, Cartesian three-space, alternative coordinates, hyperspace, and warped space. Detailed examples, concise explanations, and worked-out problems make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce learning.
It's a no-brainer! You'll learn about:
Plane geometry and solid geometry
Using a drafting compass and straight edge
Solving pairs of equations
Working with vectors in three-space
Polar coordinates
Cartesian n-space

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Geometry Demystified, Second Edition helps you master this fundamental mathematics subject.

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Spanish for Children with Three Audio CDs, Third Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this set for my 5 year-old and 8 year-old. For the most part, they and I like it, but I must admit it takes a wee bit of getting used to. You won't be able to just put the tape on and walk away with this set, you'll need to sit with your kids and go through it together. But if you're willing to do that you'll reap some very real benefits, and your kids will too!

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Yes, learning Spanish can be fun for your child!

Developed by language-learning expert Catherine Bruzzone, the Spanish for Children program is a fun and effective way for your child to learn the Spanish language and culture. This introduction gets your son or daughter speaking Spanish right from the very beginning and keeps him or her engaged with a wide range of activities and games that keep language-learning fun.

A complete program, this package features:

A full-color illustrated guidebook that features cartoons, characters, and fun facts
Threeaudio CDs that guide your child through the course and teach language through a combination of Spanish-language songs, games, and activities
An activity book filled with interactive puzzles and games that reinforce new language skills
Advice for you on helping your kid get the most out of thelanguage-learning experience.
Free print and audio downloads.

Topics include: Saying hello, Saying "yes" and "no",Saying where places are, Talking about family, Around the house, Saying what you like to do, Describing things, At the zoo, At a picnic, Happy Birthday!

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SAT 2400 : A Sneak Preview of the New SAT English Test Review

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(More customer reviews)This practical volume -- a fraction of the size of most test- preparation tomes -- does an admirable job of preparing students for the verbal portion of the New SAT. After an overview of the test and instructions about how to use the book, Author Laurie Rozakis, Ph.D., offers a diagnostic verbal test so that students can identify their strengths and weaknesses, and determine how their preparation time can most effectively be spent. The diagnostic test includes time limits, an essay prompt, and a cut-out answer sheet for the multiple-choice questions. The answer key includes detailed explanations as to *why* an answer is right or wrong.
After the diagnostic test, Rozakis provides strategies for approaching each type of test question. Sample questions provide opportunity for practice, and answers are thoroughly explained. Rozakis's strategies for the essay address organization as well as the critical issue of time management.
Ample white space makes the book user-friendly, and typographical devices make the different kinds of information easy to find.
Rozakis offers about ten pages of content review (sentences, modifiers, pronouns, etc.) for the writing component of the test. While this may be helpful to those basically familiar with the information, many students will require more than this cursory brushup.
Two additional practice tests (complete with cut-out answer sheet and fully explained answers) round out the book. An index enables users to quickly find desired information.

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An invaluable tool for students preparing to take the NEW SAT exam

More than 3 million SATs were administered in 2002. Beginning in March 2005, the SAT will undergo the most dramatic change in its 76-year history. The total score possible will increase from 1600 to 2400; analogies will be dropped from the format; and, most radical of all, a new SAT essay writing component will be added. SAT reading and writing scores play a crucial role in the college admissions process. The new writing exam places increased emphasis on these skills. SAT 2400! is designed to give students a jump-start on preparing for this critical test. The author, an award-winning English professor, provides students with clear and complete instructions for taking--and acing--the new exam. SAT 2400! features:

Detailed explanations of the new and revised English portion of the test
Surefire tips and strategies for successfully taking the new SAT
A helpful diagnostic test and answer key
Five additional practice tests

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National Geographic World Atlas, Spanish (Spanish Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)
DESCRIPTION
The first two pages have a very quick introduction, a couple of pictures, some statistical bars and text.
Then, two pages for a political map of the world and then another couple of pages for a physical map.
In the following pages, for evey continent (North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Antarctica), they include a two page introduction (photos and text), and following that are the maps for each continent: 1)physical, 2)political, 3)population density and 4)vegetation - one page for every map.
At the end, a section with flags of every country in the world.
NOTES
-Asia may look a little tight in one page, but it fulfills the expectations anyway.
-In political maps, they include mostly 2 or 3 cities by country (not for North America: it shows many more cities).
-North America has a little more detail: it includes an extra page showing the states which make up every country (Canada, U.S. and Mexico) so there we have 3 additional pages.
- It is published by Mc Graw Hill, but it clearly has National Geographic maps.
- And dont' forget: It is in well-written Spanish.
WHY I BOUGHT IT
I was looking for a very simple, but also an "adult" atlas for one of my kids, not an atlas with pictures like eskimos in the arctic, elephants in Africa or funny pictures around. This is because I wanted him to understand what a political, physical, demographical map is, without the overwhelming information of larger atlases (like The Times 11th, National Geographic 8th etc.) which made him lost the point over each map intention.
And I was thrilled when I found this atlas to be exactly what I was looking for, I really did't expect to find with such precision what I was looking for. My kid was able to see the whole picture over each continent general data, without browsing pages and pages of information. And he really loved the flags section.


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Pre-Algebra DeMYSTiFieD, Second Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)This book does exactly what it says it will do, right up to chapter 11. For some reason, the author seemed to be in a hurry and deviated from the normal "step by step" approach used in previous chapters.
I understood everything from page 1 to the bottom of page 211. At the top of page 212 there are 5 practice questions that left me in the dark. No explanation as to what the author wants and the answers add to the confusion.
Here is an example of how easily it is to become confused.
The author walks you through graphing lines.
Page 211:
Draw the graph of 2x-y=8
Find the coordinates of two points on the line:
Let x= 1
2x-y=8
2(1)-y=8
2-y=8
2-2-y=8-2
-y=6
-y/-1 = 6/-1
y=6
(1,6)
I understand how to do this, and the author goes on to show how to graph 2x-y=8 when x=1 and x=5
Page 212:
Draw the graph of each of the following:
1.
2.
3.
4. 3x-y=6.
5.
Up until this point the author gives you the value of x for you to solve his examples and how this looks on a graph. Suddenly at practice time you are not given the value for x and you are suppose to graph a line. I am just learning how to work this type of problem. Am I suppose to substitute my own value for x? A little input would have been helpful here. The answers that are given, if I am to give my own value for x, my lines will be different than the lines the author shows? Is this right?
I cannot count how many times I had to go back and re-read previous pages in chapter 11 to try and read the authors mind.
I am now trying to take the chapter 11 quiz.
Question 6. The line whose equation is 2x+3y=6 is:
(a) line l
(b) line m
(c) line n
(d) line o
I have read and re-read this chapter and gone over the previous examples. I have tried to find an answer on the internet. Am I suppose to use my own substitute values for x? If so, wouldn't the line be different from the authors answer? I have no idea because I don't know what values the author used versus mine. I don't like to reverse engineer answers. As if you could reverse engineer lines on a graph.
I take a pre-college test in 10 days. I can only hope they do not ask me to choose the "line whose equation is x-2y=4".


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Preempt your anxiety about PRE-ALGEBRA!
Ready to learn math fundamentals but can't seem to get your brain to function? No problem! Add Pre-Algebra Demystified, Second Edition, to the equation and you'll solve your dilemma in no time.
Written in a step-by-step format, this practical guide begins by covering whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, and percents. You'll move on to expressions, equations, measurement, and graphing. Operations with monomials and polynomials are also discussed. Detailed examples, concise explanations, and worked problems make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce learning.
It's a no-brainer! You'll learn:
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, and algebraic expressions
Techniques for solving equations and problems
Measures of length, weight, capacity, and time
Methods for plotting points and graphing lines

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Pre-Algebra Demystified, Second Edition, helps you master this essential mathematics subject. It's also the perfect way to review the topic if all you need is a quick refresh.

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Music: An Appreciation, 6th Brief Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)I've seen the unabridged version of this book and it's as big as an encyclopedia. The Brief Edition does well to summarize the important points in music history; though the meat of the book is centered in the classical (Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, Classical, Opera) and merely touches on the more modern componets like jazz and rock. Still, the book and accompanying CD are excellent for those wanting to get a light but informative immersion in the classic music world and learn a little bit about its most famous composers.

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Whether from a concert stage or at the front of a classroom, Roger Kamien knows how to reach an audience--blending intelligence and passion to lift music from the page and bring it to life. His unique combination of artistic and teaching skills makes Music: An Appreciation, Brief Edition an invaluable tool for students wanting to learn more about music.
This best-selling textbook introduces students to perceptive listening and provides an engaging introduction to musical elements, forms, and stylistic periods. It is organized chronologically, but individual sections can be addressed in any order, for a variety of teaching approaches. Musical notation is included but is not required to understand the popular listening guides featured in the text, which focus students' attention on musical events as they unfold.
The Online Learning Center for this text provides open access for all students to many activities and video instrument demonstrations in addition to quiz and study materials for each chapter..

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Critical Thinking Review

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(More customer reviews)We are using this textbook for my critical thinking course. It does an excellent job of making informal logic interesting. Even when you are reading about things you already know, Moore and Parker make it a fun read by adding in plenty of real-life examples. The exercises for each chapter are tedious but straightforward and effective -- they require a lot of time to complete but I always have a better understanding of the material after completing them. I would recommend this book for any informal logic course.

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More than any other textbook, Moore and Parker's Critical Thinking has defined the structure and content of the critical thinking course at colleges and universities across the country--and has done so with a witty writing style that students enjoy.Current examples relevant to today's students bring the concepts of critical thinking to life in vivid detail.This ninth edition offers an abundance of new exercises and examples, as well as a renewed focus on the importance of developing critical thinking skills.

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Student Solutions Manual to accompany Calculus With Analytic Geometry Review

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(More customer reviews)This book will have you on the edge of your seat, from the first linear approximation to the last double integral. It's better than sex (well... maybe not)

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Algebra DeMYSTiFieD, Second Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, it needs to be said that there are a few typographical and/or mathematical errors in this book. I wish I had documented them as I worked my way through it. Now, given that this book was 100% review for me, I was able to spot most of the errors right off the bat.
With that said, I think that this book is perfect for someone who needs to brush up on some algebra skills. I purchased this along with Huettenmueller's College Algebra book in an effort to try to test out of having to take an algebra class in college. I took three years of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus in high school. I was hoping that with an adequate amount of review, I would be able to avoid having to take it in college 20 years later. Well, I passed the test with flying colors, and I don't think I could have done it without this book. And the best news is, now that I have re-acquainted myself with all of those rules a second time, I don't think I'll ever forget now.

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Your SOLUTION to mastering ALGEBRA!
Trying to tackle algebra but nothing's adding up? No problem! Factor in Algebra Demystified, Second Edition and multiply your chances of learning this important branch of mathematics.
Written in a step-by-step format, this practical guide covers fractions, variables, decimals, negative numbers, exponents, roots, and factoring. Techniques for solving linear and quadratic equations and applications are discussed in detail. Clear examples, concise explanations, and worked problems with complete solutions make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce learning.
It's a no-brainer! You'll learn how to:
Translate English sentences into mathematical symbols
Write the negative of numbers and variables
Factor expressions
Use the distributive property to expand expressions
Solve applied problems

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Algebra Demystified, Second Edition helps you master this essential math subject. It's also the perfect resource for preparing you for higher level math classes and college placement tests.

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How to Solve Word Problems in Calculus Review

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(More customer reviews)I was first introduced to the mysteries of limits, differentiation, and integration in the Winter of 1966. I used a text no longer available, one that really stretched your abilities through the variety and difficulty of elementary problems offered up for exercise. Since that time, I have seen many a calculus book come and go where most contain the same old tired and unimaginative problem set. This book definitely fills that woeful gap. Not only does "How to Solve Word Problems in Calculus" present a great variety of classic derivative problems completely worked out, but it also presents the solutions in a step-by-step fashion, which helps the student thoroughly familiarize themselves with a basic problem-solving process as presented in an early chapter. One thing that I like is the emphasis on precise picture drawing that allows for crucial left-right brain integration--very important when trying to figure out exactly what quanity (and subsequently function) we are trying to optimize. If the book has a weakness, it is the lack of really new and innovative problems in integration. But, integration has traditionally been a subject that eludes elementary applications other than the usual geometric fare. Don't let this stop you from buying this great and valuable teacher resource!

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Considered to be the hardest mathematical problems to solve, word problems continue to terrify students across all math disciplines. This new title in the World Problems series demystifies these difficult problems once and for all by showing even the most math-phobic readers simple, step-by-step tips and techniques. How to Solve World Problems in Calculus reviews important concepts in calculus and provides solved problems and step-by-step solutions. Once students have mastered the basic approaches to solving calculus word problems, they will confidently apply these new mathematical principles to even the most challenging advanced problems.Each chapter features an introduction to a problem type, definitions, related theorems, and formulas.Topics range from vital pre-calculus review to traditional calculus first-course content.Sample problems with solutions and a 50-problem chapter are ideal for self-testing.Fully explained examples with step-by-step solutions.

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