Advanced Bacterial Genetics: A Manual for Genetic Engineering (A Manual for genetic engineering)

Customer Reviews:

A Fair Trail Map.......2007-07-29

There's nothing particularly wrong with this map, it's just hard to make sense of. I much prefer the Grand Canyon Trail Map. Se my review of the other map

OK if you don't ask much.......2005-05-25

I bought this map on the strength of multiple recommendations but was disappointed in it.
First, the shading that's been washed over the map only serves to obscure the contours. Quite a problem when you've got three to six thousand feet of elevation change over only a few miles, or just one mile. I don't know what they meant to do with the shading. Impress the user with the idea that this is mountainous country? People, this is a topographic map! We know how, or don't know how, to read the elevation intervals. Using shading appropriate to a desk atlas of countries and continents is NOT appropriate here.
There are no trail mileages printed along the trails. Or elsewhere on the map. NG indicates the mileages on their more recent maps.
There is a real paucity of benchmarks here, and in fact of labelling on the contours. You see the elevations in feet on the Rim points, and on the buttes, etc. in the Canyon. Not much help for hikers who are wondering how much climbing or descent they're in for on a given route.
A lot of the data in the incidental parts on the product is not really that helpful. There are a list of "recommended hikes", depending on the user's fitness, time etc. No one needs that sort of thing on their trail map, they need hard data. Opinions about the nature of a trail should be supplied by authors of trail guidebooks or by rangers and locally experienced hikers who've had time to size YOU up.
The whole thing's a bit surprising. I've used NG's T.I. maps elsewhere, in the Guadalupe Mountains NP, etc, and none of these inadequacies were present. They were pretty good, in fact.
I think this is an old product. NG should get going and revise it. In the meantime I would recommend Ken Schulte's map or the standard USGS topo quadrangles. Under NO circumstances would I suggest using this map for off trail travel or even on the less well maintained trails.

A Great Planning Tool.......2001-01-08

This Trails Illustrated map is a great tool for initial planning of your adventure into the Grand Canyon's spectacular backcountry. The map covers Grand Canyon National Park backcountry in its entirety. Almost. But close enough for most. The 1:73,530 scale and 80' contour interval make this map of limited use for on trail use, but make useful for getting an overview of the canyon and a sense of your options.

This map is also packed with information useful for planning your Grand Canyon trip. Backcountry use areas, necessary for making a permit request, are designated on the map. So are camp sites, campgrounds, and water sources in the GC's backcountry.

Very handy.

Customer Reviews:

"Untamed Hearts" is a little treasure of a book.......1998-12-24

My son gave me this book as a gift and I just love it. I carry it with me everywhere to share with my friends and even complete strangers.It is such a clever little book and the illustrations are sensational. I heartily :-) recommend it.

Book Description

A deluxe portfolio of six beautifully reproduced maps and drawings of the Holy Land and Jerusalem (6 in each portfolio). The map makers who created these striking works in the 16-18th centuries based them on the diaries of pilgrims and travelers, and on ancient historical sources.

Suitable for framing, each map is printed to exacting specifications on high-quality chrome matte paper. The back of the portfolio displays the maps in miniature with concise explanations of what they show and their historical background.

Amazon.com

If you have any serious interest in movies, you've got to read NPR pundit Kate Buford's sharp-eyed, meticulous, intelligent account of Burt Lancaster's life and work. The most inward of actors--director Luchino Visconti called him "the most perfectly mysterious man I ever met"--Lancaster spurned most press attention. Buford proves there was more to the No. 1 box-office star of Elmer Gantry and From Here to Eternity than muscles and big capped teeth. Growing up in Mob-ruled Harlem (Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll perpetrated the famous "baby massacre" on Lancaster's block), Lancaster ran off to the circus as an acrobat, went to war, and hit stardom at 33. Sweet Smell of Success cowriter Clifford Odets said there were seven Burts, including "Inscrutable Burt" and "Monster Golem Burt." He intimidated Montgomery Clift and Norman Mailer, threatened to toss his producer out a window, slugged Margot Kidder, put a girlfriend in the hospital by hurling her in the air just like his character in Brute Force, and made Kirk Douglas cry by mocking his elevator shoes. After he seduced costar Yvonne De Carlo in her mink coat (he also bedded Deborah Kerr and Marlene Dietrich), the mother of his five children comforted herself with innumerable minks and bottles of booze. His kids were neglected; the son whose baseball team Lancaster coached wrote The Bad News Bears, capturing Burt in the gruff Matthau character.

Buford notes that the seducer Gantry and control freak J.J. Hunsecker were closest to the real Burt, while the Birdman of Alcatraz was who he wanted to be. She takes us behind the scenes, showing precisely what the actor contributed (and threatened to undermine) in his great films, including his Oscar win as producer, Marty. Buford also explains how his independent film company anticipated many later trends but blew it by overspending on script development, and assesses his brilliant deconstruction of his own legend as the lion in winter of Local Hero and Atlantic City. And she puts all gossip in perspective. Burt's jealousy as he fumed in his car outside the house where his ex Shelley Winters was bedding Marlon Brando had a film-historical importance: Brando also stole Stanley Kowalski and the Godfather roles from Burt, and he represented the Method acting style Burt strenuously opposed for the first half of his career. Because he was too smart and curious to stick with one persona, and more interested in art than money, Lancaster needs a landmark biography. He's got one now. And you must check out his full-backside nudity on the back cover! --Tim Appelo

Book Description

Startlingly handsome, witty, fanatically loyal, charming, scary, and intensely sexual, Burt Lancaster was the quintessential bête du cinéma, one of Hollywood's great stars. He was, as well, an intensely private man, and he authorized no biographies in his lifetime. Kate Buford is the first writer to win the cooperation of Lancaster's widow, close friends, and colleagues, and her book is a revelation.

Here is Lancaster the man, from his teenage years, bolting the Depression-era immigrant neighborhood of East Harlem where he grew up for the life of a circus acrobat -- then the electric New York theater of the 1930s, then the dying days of vaudeville. We see his production company -- Hecht-Hill-Lancaster -- become the biggest independent of the 1950s, a bridge between the studio era and modern filmmaking. With the power he derived from it we see him gain a remarkable degree of control, which he used to become the auteur of his own career. His navigation through the anti-Communist witch-hunts made him an example of a star who tweaked the noses of HUAC and survived. His greatest roles -- in Sweet Smell of Success, Elmer Gantry, Birdman of Alcatraz, The Swimmer, Atlantic City -- kept to the progressive edge that had originated in the tolerant, diverse, reforming principles of his childhood. And in the extraordinary complete roster of his films -- From Here to Eternity, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Judgment at Nuremberg, The Leopard, 1900, and Field of Dreams, among many others -- he proved to be both a master of commercial movies that pleased a worldwide audience and an actor who pushed himself beyond stardom into cinematic art. Kate Buford has written a dynamic biography of a passionate and committed star, the first full-scale study of one of the last great unexamined Hollywood lives.

Customer Reviews:

Deja vu.......2006-07-11

After reading Kate Buford's tedious and somewhat salacious bio of Burt Lancaster, I read an earlier account of the actor's life: Against Type: The Biography of Burt Lancaster by Gary Fishgall (published in 1995, not long after Lancaster's death). Not only is Fishgall's version more interesting, but I felt a strong sense of deja vu as I read it, thinking that Buford obviously used Fishgall's book as a primary source for her own book. Entire sentences and passages mirrored many written by Fishgall--if not word for word, certainly in tone and sequence. If you want to see a photograph of Burt's bare behind and ponder unfounded speculations that the actor was gay or bisexual, buy Buford's book. If you want a more solid, well-documented biography of the man, choose Fishgall's.

MORE FICTION THAN FACT...DESIGNED TO SELL NOT TO ENLIGHTEN.......2006-01-31

Please permit me to straighten out a few allegations promulgated in this rather prurient (because it sells) book. One, B.L. was NOT an abusive man toward women (or anyone else)at all. One isolated incident do not a misogynist, or history of violence, make. One of his later relationships involved a hot-tempered lady who broke a champagne bottle over his head, so that rather belies his abuse with females...and no, he did not retaliate.
Also, another allegation, and one clearly designed to mislead the reader in addition to pumping up sales: B.L., at NO time, was EVER, in ANY way homosexual or bi-sexual...ever.
As to what his sons did or didn't do in a neighbor's pool, is another allegation and a rather cheap shot; even if it IS true or has ANY basis in fact, who among us has led a perfect childhood? Who among us has never behaved in a childish way when we were children?
This is tawdry writing at it's zenith, an unnecessary "factoid" thrown in for sensation rather than edification. If it is true, who cares? Why put it in? Does it MATTER what B.L.'s sons did when they were kids?
Ms. Buford has done some research, for what that is worth, but did not bother to either verify or confirm any of her allegations, so they must remain just that, allegations...however, the cat is already out of the bag and her inclusion of unsubstantiated "facts" helped the sale of her book, so she got what she wanted in the first place.
B.L. was a consummate actor, a loving, generous untamed man who changed careers in his mid forties from that of a trapeze artist in the circus to acting...and he took care of 17 of his circus friends for life after he began his acting career. Of course he had his faults; ALL of us do, but few of us have them the focus of a book slanted to sell no matter what, much as the tabloids do in the checkout line in the supermarket...
He made friends and enemies on the way, and carved a unique niche for himself in the most competitive profession in the world. His personal relationships were intense, close and very very strong; however, it must be noted again, that he was NOT homosexual OR bi-sexual; this is a craven, distasteful and rather cheap ploy on the part of Ms. Buford to spice up her book. Sex sells and scandal sells even better...and there isn't an author alive who doesn't want to make money, but many refrain from outright lies, libel and slander of someone they never met or knew personally.
As for B.L. fuming in his car over Shelley Winters and Brando, Winters was more likely to spend time "fuming", as she was the aggressive partner in that relationship, admitting in her own book how she resented him for wanting to be with his wife for the birth of one of their sons...
There was a book about Errol Flynn some years back that alleged he was not only bi-sexual (again, not true) but also a NAZI SPY.
The point is, anyone can say anything about a celebrity once they're dead.
He did not engage in violence with all his relationships and he did not have sex with men and he was not parodied in Bill Lancaster's movie "Bad News Bears"; he was light years away from Matthau's persona, and certainly never "gruff."
BUT: People believe exactly what they WANT to believe and some enjoy believing anything bad or off color about famous people because it makes their own lives a little exciting for a time...so, that is the truth, and it is up to those who read this book whether they choose to take it as gospel or merely a semi-informative read.
B.L. was a business genius; he OWNED his movies and formed a production company with Ben Hecht to retain control over all his work, and in addition to Hecht-Lancaster he also founded Norlan Productions, named for Norma, his wife.
He kept his mystery and movie star image all of his life and was a very generous, loving man with a great sense of humor.
So, read it with a grain of salt and remember, it is easy to play hard and fast with the truth when the subject is no longer alive to refute it.
The real B.L. can be seen in any one of his movies, and IMO, Sweet Smell of Success is his best work, alongside Atlantic City. Those who knew this fascinating man personally know the truth, and hopefully, people will remember him more for his art than for the smarmy words of someone wanting to make money off a true artist.
Those who can, do; those who can't write smutty biographies...

Riveting reading.......2004-07-08

I enjoyed this book a great deal. While I was familiar with most of Lancaster's films, his private life was a mystery. One thing I do have to say for the author: she's thorough. Not to the point of boredom, but all her bases are covered. There's just enough information on Lancaster's background, and I found the story of his parents as fascinating as his. The accounts of his physical feats during his "circus" years were remarkable, as were his inner conflicts over some of the parts he played. Of special interest was the Hect collaboration and foray into producing. My only dislike of the book (and this echoes another reviewer) was Buford's teasing of the bisexuality theme. Why make oblique references to this unless you're going to give us some facts? Was he or wasn't he? There should be more to substantiate this, given the fact that a)This was Hollywood and everyone knew everyone else's business, and b) Lancaster is dead and, according to even the most die-hard Hollywood standards, this makes for fair game. But when all is said and done, this is a great read. I highly recommend this, along with Gerald Clarke's bio on Truman Capote.

The Story of a Legend.......2003-09-24

I hadn't paid very much attention to Burt Lancaster until just a few months ago. I didn't know what an outstanding actor he was. After reading this book, I feel I know him even more. This book is very detailed and thorough. It's obvious Kate Buford put enormous amounts of time and research into it. She did a great job. If you, like me, want to discover the real Burt Lancaster, this is the book to buy.

A dangerous man!.......2003-07-18

Compliments to the author! This is probably the best investigated star biography I know - and the bluntest. Burt Lancaster grew up in New York under desolate conditions. His mother beat him. He found diversion in sports and practiced frequently. He became a true muscle man and even worked as acrobat. His magnificent body and his colgate smile became his biggest assets in Hollywood, but he wanted more: He gave dynamic performances in "issue" films, like SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, ELMER GANTRY and THE SWIMMER and became also a successful producer. Like most stars of his generation he survived the sixties in westerns, but late in life he was rewarded with worthwile roles in ATLANTIC CITY and LOCAL HERO. At one point, the author complains that today's filmgoers throw him in the same pot as Kirk Douglas and Charlton Heston, yet, despite her obvious admiration of his talents, something drives her to unveil the dark side of his life.

I fully expected to discover some skeletons in his closet, but I didn't expect them to rattle so loud: It's neither the hint at bisexuality that shocks me, nor the revelation that a government agency kept a file about his secret life, that included "orgies" with Rock Hudson (She does not tell us what exactly happened at those orgies). No, the most shocking moment comes when Buford reveals that once he threw a woman to the floor with brute force. This case of grievous bodily harm was settled out of court, but I think it is too serious to be excused with charming Walt Whitman citations. Yet - we had been warned before: he was always on his guard, she tells us, because "He knew that he was able to kill a man". Like his character in THE LEOPARD he took what he wanted with the right of the sovereign. His marriage was a "must" marriage, but it produced 7 children, despite his wife's serious alcohol problems. He was apparently a dedicated father. Some of the details in this book excite real awe for the author, not because they are unsavory, but because they made it in this book at all: What Lancaster's sons did to a neighbor's swimming-pool (exactly what you think), that digestion was a topic at dinner table...How she made her interview-partners babble! Lancaster was a star who kept an "entourage": Generous in financial matters, he kept many people at arm's length, hereby preventing them, of course, to stand on their own feet. No one hindered Kate Buford to write a pretty, fan-pleasing hagiography. That she opted for honesty instead does her credit: Those are the only biographies worth reading, even if they are not always pleasant. Well done, Mrs. Buford!

Average customer rating:
Burt Lancaster: An American Life.(Review) (book review): An article from: Cineaste
Patrick McGilligan
Manufacturer: Cineaste Publishers, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008J437E
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Cineaste, published by Cineaste Publishers, Inc. on September 22, 2000. The length of the article is 1449 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Burt Lancaster: An American Life.(Review) (book review)
Author: Patrick McGilligan
Publication: Cineaste (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 22, 2000
Publisher: Cineaste Publishers, Inc.
Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Page: 57

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Lancaster's Hollywood "A Big Circus".(Review) (book review): An article from: Video Age International

Average customer rating:

Lancaster's Hollywood "A Big Circus".(Review) (book review): An article from: Video Age International

Manufacturer: TV Trade Media, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Video Age International, published by TV Trade Media, Inc. on May 1, 2000. The length of the article is 1114 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Lancaster's Hollywood "A Big Circus".(Review) (book review)
Publication: Video Age International (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2000
Publisher: TV Trade Media, Inc.
Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Page: 12

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Average customer rating:

Burt Lancaster: An American Life
Kate Buford
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H8GP5O

Average customer rating:

Burt Lancaster: an American Life
Kate Buford
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N77EXG

Book Description

Talk on the Wilde Side focuses on the formation of a new `type' of sexual category in the newpaper reports of the trials of Oscar Wilde, relating this to middle-class discussions of masculinity throughout the nineteenth century.

Customer Reviews:

First Review?.......2001-02-05

I can't believe I'm writing the first review for a book that is so important to the field of sexuality and queer theory. Ed Cohen has created one of the most comprehensive discussions that focuses on the origins of sexuality in Victorian England. By focusing on the development of masculinity and manliness in Victorian England as predicated by Victorian terms, Cohen developes an acute sense of what it meant to be a "man" in England during the late 19th century. Later in the book he developes, in the Foucaultnian tradition, the response by the judicial system, the press, and society to "unmanliness". The Wilde trials become the focus for his discussion on the dissemination of discursive language from literature and the media. If there is anything to obtain from this review it is that you cannot possibly understand Victorian sexuality without purchasing this book. It is worth so much more than it costs.

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