Discovering The Desert

McGinnies's book is an excellent review of all aspects of the Sonoran desert and its mountains: geographic, climatic, and geologic.ÑAmerican Scientist "This book provides a fascinating introduction to desert life in the Southwest."ÑTrue West "This true labor of love by an outstanding arid lands authority will broaden horizons, deepen understanding, and heighten awareness of the debt we owe to the founders of the Desert Laboratory."ÑArizona Highways "A great source of revelation. . . . Easy and enjoyable to read and has left me with a great respect for the diversity of ways in which desert plants adapt to extremes."ÑSylvia Martinelli, Journal of Arid Environments

My parents always told me I was Mexican. I was Mexican because they were Mexican. This was sometimes modified to ÒMexican American,Ó since I was born in California, and thus automatically a U.S. citizen. But, my parents said, this, too, was once part of Mexico. My father would say this with a sweeping gesture, taking in the smog, the beautiful mountains, the cars and houses and fast-food franchises. When he made that gesture, all was cleared away in my mindÕs eye to leave the hazy impression of a better place. We were here when the white people came, the Spaniards, then the Americans. And we will be here when they go away, he would say, and it will be part of Mexico again. Thus begins a lyrical and entirely absorbing collection of personal essays by esteemed Chicana writer and gifted storyteller Kathleen Alcal‡. Loosely linked by an exploration of the many meanings of Òfamily,Ó these essays move in a broad arc from the stories and experiences of those close to her to those whom she wonders about, like Andrea Yates, a mother who drowned her children. In the process of digging and sifting, she is frequently surprised by what she unearths. Her family, she discovers, were Jewish refugees from the Spanish Inquisition who took on the trappings of Catholicism in order to survive. Although the essays are in many ways personal, they are also universal. When she examines her family history, she is encouraging us to inspect our own families, too. When she investigates a family secret, she is supporting our own search for meaning. And when she writes that being separated from our indigenous culture is Òa form of illiteracy,Ó we know exactly what she means. After reading these essays, we find that we have discovered not only why Kathleen Alcal‡ is a writer but also why we appreciate her so much. She helps us to find ourselves.

David Hart is a young, bright NASA physicist who is chosen to join a team of other NASA scientists assigned to a Classified Military Project. The team has been formed to bring a new, cutting edge technology to the United States military-Time Travel. The team initially makes great strides in developing a time travel capsule, and then they hit a brick wall. Once the obstacle becomes common knowledge at NASA, the project transforms from one of prestige and glamour to one of embarrassment. The slowed progress grates on David's patience. Then he decides to do the unthinkable! Join David on this adventure of a lifetime as he realizes that not only has he been chosen to be on this NASA team, but he has been chosen for a much more significant task. A task, that once accomplished, will change David's life forever. Additionally, it is this author's hope, that this book will change your life forever, as well. Top Ten List: Top Ten Reasons to Read this New Release 10. You get to visit Tel Aviv and the Judean Desert in Israel 9. You get a glimpse of what the future may hold for NASA 8. You get to meet two of the most interesting angels ever 7. You get to experience the thrill of time travel 6. You get to watch the CIA and Israeli Mossad in action 5. You get to eavesdrop on a meeting of Satan and his demons 4. You get to laugh and you get to cry 3. You get to accompany an international fugitive on the run 2. You get to meet Jesus Christ Himself 1. You get a life-changing book that you can share with a friend!

Delving into a seemingly dry and barren ecosystem, this fun-filled activity book closely examines the desert landscape and shows how many exciting discoveries it holds. Exploring native plants and animals and depicting the extreme temperatures, rough terrain, and vast distances in detail, this lively reference describes lost civilizations as well as today’s desert-dwelling cultures. “Try This” science and history activities are also included—from creating mirages and fashioning an Anasazi clay bowl to growing salt crystals and even assembling a cactus dish terrarium. Demonstrating why adventurers have always been drawn to the world’s deserts, this entertaining overview also provides education on the environment, examining how the health of the planet depends on the careful treatment of the desert’s many resources.

A simple look at deserts and their animals and plants.

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey across the world's most breathtaking arid landscapes with Desert Adventures: Discovering the Beauty of Arid Landscapes. This comprehensive guide delves into the wonders of deserts, from the vast dunes of the Sahara to the rugged outback of Australia, offering an in-depth exploration of their unique ecosystems, rich histories, and vibrant cultures. Learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in these extreme environments, uncover the best destinations for adventure activities, and gain practical tips for planning your own desert expeditions. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, this book provides everything you need to experience the magic and mystery of the world's deserts. Join us as we discover the hidden beauty and profound tranquility of these remarkable landscapes.

This sourcebook for scientific discovery is stuffed full of incredible facts and compelling data, offering readers insights, observations, and spirited examinations of the natural world. Desert Dinosaurs is one of the few books to combine literary adventure with the possibility of hands-on discovery. Its focus is on a non-scientist’s discoveries about the dinosaurs that frequented Arizona and New Mexico’s prehistoric lands, and it offers readers the encouragement and provides them the opportunity to make their own discoveries at those sites where they can actively participate. This sourcebook for scientific discovery is stuffed full of incredible facts and compelling data. Desert Dinosaurs offers readers insights, observations, and spirited examinations of the natural world.