Download or read book Great Adaptations written by Kenneth Catania and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2020-09-15 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The irresistible enthusiasm of Great Adaptations couldn’t come at a better time."—David P. Barash, Wall Street Journal "Be very amazed."—Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words and Becoming Wild How one scientist unlocked the secrets behind some of nature’s most astounding animals From star-nosed moles that have super-sensing snouts to electric eels that paralyze their prey, animals possess unique and extraordinary abilities. In Great Adaptations, Kenneth Catania presents an entertaining and engaging look at some of nature’s most remarkable creatures. Telling the story of his biological detective work, Catania sheds light on the mysteries behind the behaviors of tentacled snakes, tiny shrews, zombie-making wasps, and more. He shows not only how studying these animals can provide deep insights into how life evolved, but also how scientific discovery can be filled with adventure and fun. Beginning with the star-nosed mole, Catania reveals what the creature’s nasal star is actually for, and what this tells us about how brains work. He explores how the deceptive hunting strategy of tentacled snakes leads prey straight to their mouths, how eels use electricity to control other animals, and why emerald jewel wasps make zombies out of cockroaches. He also solves the enigma of worm grunting—a traditional technique in which earthworms are enticed out of the ground—by teaming up with professional worm grunters. Catania demonstrates the merits of approaching science with an open mind, considers the role played by citizen scientists, and illustrates that most animals have incredible, hidden abilities that defy our imagination. Examining some strange and spectacular creatures, Great Adaptations offers a wondrous journey into nature’s grand designs.

Download or read book Animal Adaptations written by Julie K. Lundgren and published by Britannica Digital Learning. This book was released on 2013-03-01 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Early readers investigate various animal adaptations.

Download or read book The Orchid Thief written by Susan Orlean and published by Ballantine Books. This book was released on 2011-07-20 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK A modern classic of personal journalism, The Orchid Thief is Susan Orlean’s wickedly funny, elegant, and captivating tale of an amazing obsession. Determined to clone an endangered flower—the rare ghost orchid Polyrrhiza lindenii—a deeply eccentric and oddly attractive man named John Laroche leads Orlean on an unforgettable tour of America’s strange flower-selling subculture, through Florida’s swamps and beyond, along with the Seminoles who help him and the forces of justice who fight him. In the end, Orlean—and the reader—will have more respect for underdog determination and a powerful new definition of passion. In this new edition, coming fifteen years after its initial publication and twenty years after she first met the “orchid thief,” Orlean revisits this unforgettable world, and the route by which it was brought to the screen in the film Adaptation, in a new retrospective essay. Look for special features inside. Join the Random House Reader’s Circle for author chats and more. Praise for The Orchid Thief “Stylishly written, whimsical yet sophisticated, quirkily detailed and full of empathy . . . The Orchid Thief shows [Orlean’s] gifts in full bloom.”—The New York Times Book Review “Fascinating . . . an engrossing journey [full] of theft, hatred, greed, jealousy, madness, and backstabbing.”—Los Angeles Times “Orlean’s snapshot-vivid, pitch-perfect prose . . . is fast becoming one of our national treasures.”—The Washington Post Book World “Orlean’s gifts [are] her ear for the self-skewing dialogue, her eye for the incongruous, convincing detail, and her Didion-like deftness in description.”—Boston Sunday Globe “A swashbuckling piece of reporting that celebrates some virtues that made America great.”—The Wall Street Journal

Download or read book Adaptations written by Deborah Cartmell and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-06-17 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Adaptations considers the theoretical and practical difficulties surrounding the translation of a text into film, and the reverse process; the novelisation of films. Through three sets of case studies, the contributors examine the key debates surrounding adaptations: whether screen versions of literary classics can be faithful to the text; if something as capsulated as Jane Austens irony can even be captured on film; whether costume dramas always of their own time and do adaptations remake their parent text to reflect contemporary ideas and concerns. Tracing the complex alterations which texts experience between different media, Adaptations is a unique exploration of the relationship between text and film.

Download or read book The Turn of the Screw written by Henry James and published by Aegitas. This book was released on 2024-08-22 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a classic ghost story that continues to captivate readers over a century after its initial publication. Set in the late 19th century, the novella follows a young governess who is hired to care for two young children, Flora and Miles, at the remote and eerie Bly Manor. As the governess begins her duties, she becomes increasingly convinced that the manor is haunted by the spirits of the previous governess, Miss Jessel, and her lover, Peter Quint, who both died under mysterious circumstances. The story unfolds as the governess tries to protect the children from the malevolent ghosts, while also questioning her own sanity and the motives of the children in their interactions with the spirits. One of the most intriguing aspects of The Turn of the Screw is its unreliable narrator. The story is told through the perspective of the governess, whose mental state and perceptions of events are constantly called into question. This creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, leaving readers to question whether the ghosts are real or just figments of the governess's imagination. James masterfully plays with the theme of perception and reality, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions about the events at Bly Manor. Another striking element of the novella is its use of Gothic elements. The isolated location, the decaying mansion, and the presence of ghosts all contribute to the eerie atmosphere of the story. James also incorporates psychological horror, as the governess's fears and paranoia intensify throughout the story, building tension and suspense. The Turn of the Screw is a prime example of Gothic literature, with its exploration of the dark side of human nature and the blurred lines between the living and the dead. One of the most controversial aspects of the novella is its ambiguous ending. The governess's final confrontation with the ghosts and the fate of the children are left open to interpretation, inviting readers to ponder the true meaning of the story. Some critics argue that the ghosts are a product of the governess's overactive imagination, while others believe that they are real and that the children are in danger. This open-ended conclusion has sparked countless debates and interpretations, making The Turn of the Screw a thought-provoking and enduring piece of literature. In addition to its literary merits, The Turn of the Screw also offers insight into the societal norms and expectations of the time period in which it was written. James explores themes of gender roles and class distinctions through the character of the governess, who is expected to be subservient and obedient to her male employer and to maintain the social hierarchy between herself and the children. The story also touches on the taboo subject of sexual relationships, particularly in regards to the ghosts and their influence on the children. Ultimately, The Turn of the Screw is a haunting and enigmatic work that continues to captivate readers with its complex characters, Gothic atmosphere, and thought-provoking themes. It is a testament to Henry James's mastery of storytelling and his ability to create a sense of unease and suspense that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for anyone interested in Gothic literature, psychological thrillers, or the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural.

Download or read book Really Strange Marine Animals written by Caitie McAneney and published by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. This book was released on 2016-12-15 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to the world’s bodies of water, which are populated by some really strange marine animals. This text introduces readers to the oddest creatures under the sea, including blobfish, anglerfish, sea cucumbers, deep-sea sharks, and more. Readers will learn about these creatures and the adaptations that make them unique. This high-interest title also explores important science concepts, such as survival, animal behavior, life cycles, and habitats. Readers are sure to enjoy the engaging text, colorful photographs, and sidebars that provide an in-depth look at some of the world’s strangest marine animals.

Download or read book Strange Star written by Emma Carroll and published by Delacorte Press. This book was released on 2018-03-20 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the critically acclaimed author of In Darkling Wood comes a spine-tingling novel inspired by Frankenstein with more than a hint of mystery and suspense. One stormy June evening, five friends meet at Villa Diodati, the summer home of Lord Byron. After dinner is served, they challenge each other to tell ghost stories that will freeze the blood. But one of the guests--Mary Shelley--is stuck for a story to share. Then there's an unexpected knock at the front door. Collapsed on the doorstep is a girl with strange scars on her face. She has traveled a long way with her own tale to tell, and now they all must listen. Hers is no ordinary ghost story, though. What starts as a simple tale of village life soon turns to tragedy and the darkest, most dangerous of secrets. Sometimes the truth is far more terrifying than fiction . . . and the consequences are even more devastating. Praise for Emma Carroll's In Darkling Wood: "A haunting and poignant exploration of family, loss, and redemption." --Booklist, Starred "A tale brimming with emotion and atmosphere. . . . [In Darkling Wood] is absorbing and well written. Hand this to readers who enjoy fantasy, fairy tales, and magical realism."--School Library Journal, Starred "Magic and mystery adds appeal to this already compelling family drama...and Carroll manages to wrap all of the threads into a wholly satisfying ending."--Bulletin

Download or read book Adaptation written by Malinda Lo and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. This book was released on 2012-09-18 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Across North America, flocks of birds hurl themselves into airplanes, causing at least a dozen to crash. Thousands of people die. Fearing terrorism, the United States government grounds all flights, and millions of travelers are stranded. Among them are Reese and her debate team partner and longtime crush David, who are in Arizona when the disaster occurs. On their drive home to San Francisco, along a stretch of empty highway in the middle of the Nevada night, a bird flies into their headlights. The car flips over. When they wake up in a military hospital, the doctor won't tell them what happened, where they are--or how they've been miraculously healed. Things become even stranger when Reese returns home. San Francisco feels like a different place with police enforcing curfew, hazmat teams collecting dead birds, and a strange presence that seems to be following her. When Reese unexpectedly collides with the beautiful Amber Gray, her search for the truth is forced in an entirely new direction-and threatens to expose a vast global conspiracy that the government has worked for decades to keep secret. Adaptation is a bold contemporary science-fiction thriller from the acclaimed author of Ash.

Download or read book Station Eleven written by Emily St. John Mandel and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2014-09-09 with total page 357 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: NATIONAL BESTSELLER • NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST • A PEN/FAULKNER AWARD FINALIST • Set in the eerie days of civilization’s collapse—the spellbinding story of a Hollywood star, his would-be savior, and a nomadic group of actors roaming the scattered outposts of the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity. • Now an original series on HBO Max. • Over one million copies sold! One of the New York Times’s 100 Best Books of the 21st Century Kirsten Raymonde will never forget the night Arthur Leander, the famous Hollywood actor, had a heart attack on stage during a production of King Lear. That was the night when a devastating flu pandemic arrived in the city, and within weeks, civilization as we know it came to an end. Twenty years later, Kirsten moves between the settlements of the altered world with a small troupe of actors and musicians. They call themselves The Traveling Symphony, and they have dedicated themselves to keeping the remnants of art and humanity alive. But when they arrive in St. Deborah by the Water, they encounter a violent prophet who will threaten the tiny band’s existence. And as the story takes off, moving back and forth in time, and vividly depicting life before and after the pandemic, the strange twist of fate that connects them all will be revealed. Look for Emily St. John Mandel’s bestselling new novel, Sea of Tranquility!

Download or read book Adaptation Part 6 written by Jeremy Tyrrell and published by Jeremy Tyrrell. This book was released on 2016-12-23 with total page 355 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Master Pietro's discovery precipitates a rapid chain of events. Ryan is confronted with the terrible truth about his ancestry, and his destiny, and must decide for himself which path he will take. Ottavio, held on a leash, is a fly in everyone's ointment. The individual players will be thrust together in a cataclysmic conclusion to the Adaptation series.

Download or read book Adaptations written by Anugamini Rai and published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. This book was released on 2015-10-05 with total page 195 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book invites readers to immerse themselves in the fantastic journey of written text to the screen. It is divided into two parts, the first of which broadly focuses on cinematic adaptations based on Indian literary texts. The second section explores the adaptations of literary works from other countries. In the world of Indian cinema, the first full-length Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra, was based on a legend mentioned in Indian holy scriptures. Since then, several literary texts have been filmed, and this process has become a popular phenomenon. The recent film by Vishal Bhardwaj, Haider, an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, has raised the expectations of lovers of this symbiotic relationship between literature and film. This book engages with issues like ‘fidelity’ and ‘intertextuality’ in the works of Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Khushwant Singh, Vishal Bhardwaj, RK Narayan, as well as other authors and directors from India and other parts of the world.

Download or read book Diet Recovery written by Matt Stone and published by Matt Stone. This book was released on 2014-09-04 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Have you noticed since starting all this “healthy” eating, dieting, perfect Paleo diets, wholesome Vegan escapades, and all that glorious exercise that you did in the name of better health and a better appearance... THAT YOU LOOK AND FEEL WORSE? Eating pretty much any overly restricted diet will do these things to you. Throw some “healthy” exercise in there with it and you’ve got a recipe for shutting down your entire system. It’s all caused by a drop in metabolic rate. Diet Recovery is your guide to bringing your metabolism back up to its ideal level. When you’ve had enough and you are ready to stop dieting forever, get your health back on track, stop obsessing over your body fat percentage, be happy, and join the rest of society by eating somewhat normal again, there’s no better book in print for you to turn to. No more delibilitating New Years resolutions to run a daily marathon on cabbage soup this year- quit beating yourself up in 2013, and stop the dieting madness! Eat the food!

Download or read book Badge of Evil written by Whit Masterson and published by Prologue Books. This book was released on 2013-01-18 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A revisit of the 1950s classic that inspired Orson Welles's film Touch of Evil Assistant District Attorney Mitch Holt suspects the wrong people have been arrested in the murder of Rudy Linneker. But if it wasn't Linneker's daughter and her fiance, who was it? And why do two of the city's most decorated and beloved cops look like they're not shooting straight? If they've planted evidence in this case, what else are they guilty of in the past?

Download or read book Setting Plato Straight written by Todd W. Reeser and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2015-12-28 with total page 403 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When we talk of platonic love or relationships today, we mean something very different from what Plato meant. For this, we have fifteenth and sixteenth-century European humanists to thank. As these scholars—most of them Catholic—read, digested, and translated Plato, they found themselves faced with a fundamental problem: how to be faithful to the text yet not propagate pederasty or homosexuality. In Setting Plato Straight, Todd W. Reeser undertakes the first sustained and comprehensive study of Renaissance textual responses to Platonic same-sex sexuality. Reeser mines an expansive collection of translations, commentaries, and literary sources to study how Renaissance translators transformed ancient eros into non-erotic, non-homosexual relations. He analyzes the interpretive lenses translators employed and the ways in which they read and reread Plato’s texts. In spite of this cleansing, Reeser finds surviving traces of Platonic same-sex sexuality that imply a complicated, recurring process of course-correction—of setting Plato straight.

Download or read book Odd Adaptations Set 1 written by Dr Patricia Fletcher and published by Gareth Stevens Publishing. This book was released on 2017-07-30 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Platypuses and echidnas are the only mammals that lay eggs. Mudskippers are a kind of fish--but they can walk! The reasons for these odd and fascinating adaptations are just some of what readers learn about in this fun take on an important science concept. Each book focuses on one animal group's weird and wonderful adaptations--including humans! Full-color photographs highlight some of the most bizarre facts included, such as a frog's teeth. Sidebars give even more information about each animal, satisfying readers curious about the "whys" of the world around them.

Download or read book Theorizing Adaptation written by Kamilla Elliott and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2020-05-20 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From film and television theory to intertextuality, poststructuralism to queer theory, postcolonialism to meme theory, a host of contemporary theories in the humanities have engaged with adaptation studies. Yet theorizing adaptation has been deemed problematic in the humanities' theoretical and disciplinary wars, been charged with political incorrectness by both conservative and radical scholars, and declared outdated and painfully behind the times compared to other disciplines. And even separate from these problems of theorization is adaptation's subject matter - with many film adaptations of literature widely and simply declared "bad." In this thorough and groundbreaking study, author Kamilla Elliott works to detail and redress the problem of theorizing adaptation. She offers the first cross-disciplinary history of theorizing adaptation in the humanities, extending back in time to the sixteenth century - revealing that before the late eighteenth century, adaptation was valued and even celebrated for its contributions to cultural progress before its eventual - and ongoing - marginalization. Elliott also presents a discussion of humanities theorization as a process, arguing the need to rethink how theorization functions within humanities disciplines and configure a new relationship between theorization and adaptation, and then examines how rhetoric may work to repair this difficult relationship. Ultimately, Theorizing Adaptation seeks to find shared ground upon which adaptation scholars can dialogue and debate productively across disciplinary, cultural, and theoretical borders, without requiring theoretical assent or uniformity.

Download or read book Why Do Thorny Devils Have Two Heads written by Patricia Fletcher and published by Gareth Stevens Publishing LLLP. This book was released on 2017-07-15 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There’s a good reason why the thorny devil has a “false head” on its shoulders. It’s an adaptation that developed to help protect the thorny devil when the reptile feels threatened. Most adaptations have a good explanation—but that doesn’t make some of them any less odd! From snakes shedding their skin a few times a year to the almost unbreakable shells of reptile eggs, reptile adaptations are made even more fascinating in this book through full-color, up-close photographs. In addition to cool adaptations, readers learn science curriculum topics such as the main features of reptiles, evolution, and life cycles.