Drifting Together Or Apart

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In 1915 Alfred Wegener's seminal work describing the continental drift was first published in German. Wegener explained various phenomena of historical geology, geomorphy, paleontology, paleoclimatology, and similar areas in terms of continental drift. This edition includes new data to support his theories, helping to refute the opponents of his controversial views. 64 illustrations.

"This is one of the best accounts of Canadian-American relations to appear in many, many years." - Thomas Keating, University of Alberta

In a thoughtful and engaging critique, geographer Martin W. Lewis and historian Karen Wigen re-examine the basic geographical divisions we take for granted. Their up-to-the-minute study reflects both on the global scale and its relation to the specific continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa actually part of one contiguous landmass. Photos. maps.

In the early 1960s, the emergence of the theory of plate tectonics started a revolution in the earth sciences. Since then, scientists have verified and refined this theory, and now have a much better understanding of how our planet has been shaped by plate-tectonic processes. We now know that, directly or indirectly, plate tectonics influences nearly all geologic processes, past and present. Indeed, the notion that the entire Earth's surface is continually shifting has profoundly changed the way we view our world.

In today's world, it is more acceptable to be depressed than to be lonely-yet loneliness appears to be the inevitable byproduct of our frenetic contemporary lifestyle. According to the 2004 General Social Survey, one out of four Americans talked to no one about something of importance to them during the last six months. Another remarkable fact emerged from the 2000 U.S. Census: more people are living alone today than at any point in the country's history—fully 25 percent of households consist of one person only. In this crucial look at one of America's few remaining taboo subjects—loneliness—Drs. Jacqueline Olds and Richard S. Schwartz set out to understand the cultural imperatives, psychological dynamics, and physical mechanisms underlying social isolation. In The Lonely American, cutting-edge research on the physiological and cognitive effects of social exclusion and emerging work in the neurobiology of attachment uncover startling, sobering ripple effects of loneliness in areas as varied as physical health, children's emotional problems, substance abuse, and even global warming. Surprising new studies tell a grim truth about social isolation: being disconnected diminishes happiness, health, and longevity; increases aggression; and correlates with increasing rates of violent crime. Loneliness doesn't apply simply to single people, either—today's busy parents "cocoon" themselves by devoting most of their non-work hours to children, leaving little time for friends, and other forms of social contact, and unhealthily relying on the marriage to fulfill all social needs. As a core population of socially isolated individuals and families continues to balloon in size, it is more important than ever to understand the effects of a culture that idealizes busyness and self-reliance. It's time to bring loneliness—a very real and little-discussed social epidemic with frightening consequences-out into the open, and find a way to navigate the tension between freedom and connection in our lives.

With the increasing sensitivity of the equipment available to the home astronomer, and increasing interest in celestial bodies, this Springer series is a huge helping hand to skywatchers who want to hone their skills. Astronomers' observing guides provide up-to-date information for amateur astronomers who want to know all about what it is they are observing. This is the basis of the first part of the book. The second part details observation techniques for practical astronomers, working with a range of different instruments. The book reviews the latest findings and satellite observations of Jupiter, as well as presenting superb pictures of Jupiter taken by McAnally himself, who proceeds to explain to the reader how to arrive at such beautiful results.

Determined to prove herself as a pastry chef, Summer Wilkes arrives in Rome. She wants to build a reputation, this time without piggy-backing on anyone else's success. Everything seems possible, thanks to her charming new neighbor, a roof-top bar, and a sizzling kiss. Finn is impatient to get back on the rugby field after yet another knee injury. Summer is the perfect distraction, except that she loathes rugby and everything that comes with it. Keeping his career a secret seems like the safest move at first. But then he tastes Summer's cakes. And Summer's pastries. And Summer.