Speleobiology, the study of cave life, is a relatively new science. The diversity of species that live in caves, springs, and aquifers is just beginning to be documented, and much of the underground world has yet to be explored. The surveys of cave life reported in this book represent an important step forward in understanding the biodiversity of caves in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
The project whose research led to the publication of "Cave Life of Oklahoma and Arkansas" began in the 1970s as a study of Ozark cavefish and expanded to encompass two states and involve a number of research topics and collaborators. The authors and their team donned snorkeling gear, cave suits, and climbing harnesses and descended into caves in Oklahoma and Arkansas to study, inventory, and photograph this hidden world.
The result is a comprehensive checklist of the region's cave fauna, complete with descriptions of these rare animals' distribution and ecological niches. The cast of characters ranges from familiar and charismatic species, such as cave crayfish and gray bats, to rare and bizarre fauna, such as blind salamanders and cave dung beetles. More than 175 full-color illustrations include stunning, never-before-seen photographs (from the cameras of Dave Bunnel, Tim Ernst, and Dante B. Fenolio, among others)of cave animals--even some newly discovered species. The authors also address conservation of subterranean biodiversity, discussing not only threats to cave life such as invasive species, resource extraction, and habitat loss, but also current methods of preservation and protection, including legislation, land acquisition, people management, and cave gates. The book's appendices provide a comprehensive cave bibliography and checklists of subterranean animals for each cave.
Speleology is critical to science. Subterranean organisms are key indicators of groundwater quality, and their adaptations can lead to advances in medicine. "Cave Life of Oklahoma and Arkansas "advances our knowledge of, and can thus help us save, subterranean ecosystems--among the world's last frontiers.

Ocean Beach in San Francisco has been decimated by erosion. Sand dunes turn to sheer drop offs. Locals go crazy, as the beach gets closed off to the public. That's when the Sunsetters emerge, to fight City Council to preserve their sacred playground. Follow a grief-stricken surfer in his fight to avenge his dying surfspot and make peace with his brother's untimely death from cancer. "I started having my nightmares again. The cruel scepter of the dreamworld gone sour punished my attempts to slumber. I had the one about Andy. We are young in it. We are both standing on the beach in Alabama somewhere. Darkness rolls over us as we shiver from having no shirts just shorts. We run over the dunes to find our path blocked by rising water. It crawls towards us as we turn back towards the ocean. There is an eclipse. The sun lies behind the moon in exact blackness outlined only by shadow. We are out of breath. We near the shore and see a sailboat in the distance. We wave and jump in hopes they will rescue us from the flood. They head out to sea and disappear as the rain falls harder. Andy is panicking. I tell him to relax. We just need a way out. The waves grow bigger as the eye of the storm spins over our heads. Andy screams at me for directions. Where do we go? What do we do? I look down at my feet. They are bleeding. We are standing on oyster beds. We are in blood drenched knee deep water. The sharks circle.The wind howls. Waves are hitting my chest now. I struggle to move but fall to my knees. My back is to the ocean. I turn and see Andy. A giant wave consumes us. It rises quickly to great heights before crashing with back breaking force. I feel myself go under. I cannot find up. I swim for what feels like hours before reaching the surface. I blackout like the sun. I wake up on the beach. The good news is Andy is laid out facing away from me a few feet away. I rush over calling his name and hear nothing. I yank him over. He's dead. His face is colored the death shade blue. A gentle foam seeps from his mouth. I call out for help. I try to breath life back into him. I run for the dunes screaming for anyone. I round the top of the first dune after slipping up its face. I gasp for air. The land is gone. I am on an island of despair. Everything around me is underwater. I rush back to find Andy. He is gone. I see more waves coming. I bury my face in my hands in desperate prayer. They crash into me anyway. I usually wake up flailing and moaning. I was shackled to misery. It wore a filthy ring around my neck. I scrubbed around the chains instead of shrugging them off. I let that yoke of pain cripple me. I bore that burden once before. It was put on me the day God took Andy away. Andy started coughing. He didn't stop until his last breath left his body. There was nothing I could do to give it back. He was taken from me. My parents adopted him to upstage me, their star disappointment. They tried to drive wedges between us but we were inseparable. Every time we went to Panama City we rented surf boards. Andy was a natural. I struggled to keep up. I never thought those golden days would end. My memories of the waves and sunsets we shared power me through the tough times. They take something out of me when I picture his face. He was just a kid. Cancer didn't care. The surfing I found at Ocean Beach saved my life. I knew I owed this place everything for giving me those magical rides. I look for Andy out there when the tide is high. I feel him pass me by when I'm on a long ride and the sun is shining. I try to remind myself we will surf again one day. I try to imagine the shores up there where he rides. I hope they are gentle and steep. Andy liked the fast drops. I pray they cradle him. I know he's waiting for me up there. Sometimes I see him with his back to me, facing the water. I call his name. He waves and gets on his board. He paddles away and the sun takes him back. I chase after him but he laughs and tells me "Someday, bro...Someday.

Loopy about lacrosse? Want to get into wing-walking? This is the book for you! Join BBC Breakfast sports presenter Mike Bushell as he swaps his suit for shorts to showcase the thrills and spills of the World's craziest alternative sports. Famed for trying out a dazzling array of extreme sports as part of his weekend sport bulletin, nobody is better placed than Mike to explain how, when, where and why you might consider joining the ranks of some of the world's most dedicated practitioners of activities wih a high level of inherent danger. Find out everything you never knew you needed to know about shin kicking, elephant polo, worm charming, real tennis, swamp soccer and roller hockey.

An enjoyable, easy read about a Minnesota couple's 18-month journey to train for and complete the IRONMAN Wisconsin triathlon. Written for the mildly interested, wanna-be, beginner, veteran, or expert, this book contains facts, tips, and humorous stories that will keep you flipping pages. This honest look at the elite 140.6 mile triathlon from the back of the pack is a must read for the endurance sport enthusiast.

More Than a Race is about the notorious Race Across America (the RAAM) known as the world's toughest bicycle race. The story tracks a four-man team of septuagenarians who proved that age is no obstacle to superlative performance. Adding to the narrative are the voices of families and crew members, whose perspectives on the racers and crew dynamics enrich the account. Leaving Oceanside CA on June 12, 2012, the team and their hard-working support crew of 15 raced to Annapolis MD in 6 days, 13 hours, 13 minutes, at an average of 19.04 mph. They not only broke the 70+ record by 27 hours, but also bested the 60+ record by more than 3 hours. Sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, the team overcame more than its share of obstacles, including 100-degree desert heat, a hospitalization, fierce Kansas winds, a bike dropped at high speed onto a highway in Illinois, and the final agony of the Appalachian Mountains. More Than a Race is a must-read for all cyclists and armchair adventurers alike.

Calming to the soul and good for us all, spending time outdoors offers us precious breathing space away from the stresses and strains of modern life. This inspirational guide celebrates the life enhancing effect of nature and encourages you to try the pursuits that would have been second nature to previous generations - from walking in the dark with only the light of the moon and stars to guide you, to wild swimming, forest bathing and sleeping under canvas. It will inspire you to re-discover the joy of sky and clouds, night and tides, stars and silence. Photography by Finn Beales

Airsoft Technology Self-Paced Training Series: Introduction to AK EBB AEG: Learn the basic power upgrade elements, with coverage on FET This training book has been developed from the ground up for beginners who know little about Airsoft AEG technology. As part of our Airsoft Technology Self-Paced Training Series, this book gives an introduction to the performance elements of a AK AEG. The primary goal of this book is to explain the various AEG performance concepts in very simple language. Review questions and answers are included to assess your airsoft knowledge. This 2012 edition includes coverage on the new APS FET device. We believe that this book and its support materials have everything you need for an informative, interesting, challenging and entertaining Airsoft educational experience. AirsoftPRESS technical books are written specifically for the do-it-yourselfer, yet are complete enough to be used by professional airsoft gunsmiths. Since 2005 AirsoftPRESS has produced technical books written from hands-on experience based on airsoft teardown with hundreds of photos and illustrations, making AirsoftPRESS the world leader in airsoft technical information.

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In the midst of a devastating year for his and most businesses, Stefan Danis searched for a challenge that would get him in physical and mental shape for what lay ahead, inspire others in similar situations, and raise funds for those in his industry who had fallen on even harder times.

With only a vague understanding of what he was getting himself into, he settled on the Gobi March, an unaided 250-kilometer foot race in the Gobi Desert of China.

Now, in this captivating story of mind over matter, he shares how he overcame the challenges he faced &#8212 from extensive training to injuries that nearly kept him from the race to running in blazing heat on stones, sand, through rivers, and even up mountains &#8212 and made it to the finish line, stronger and better equipped for what lay ahead."

&#8220Stefan's desert adventures have taught us all about how to beat the bad news and win A must read.&#8221 --Jim Warrington, Executive Director, NABS

&#8220Within us all survives that child with the &#8216crazy&#8217 dreams and &#8216unreasonable&#8217 ambitions. May we all, like Stefan in this book, allow that child to flourish.&#8221 --Mehmet Danis, winner, Atacama Desert Crossing

&#8220 an excellent reminder that anything is possible when you choose to put your soul into it and refuse to fail.&#8221 --Howard Breen, President, HBideation, author of "A Page from a CEO's Diary"

Stefan Danis is the CEO of Mandrake and NEXCareer. He and his wife and two daughters live in Toronto.

In 1994, Robert Boeder completed the Grand Slam of trail ultrarunning finishing four 100 mile trail races in one summer (14 weeks). In this classic first person narrative he describes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges of completing the Old Dominion 100 Miler, the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, the Leadville Trail 100 and the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run. Boeder lives in Silverton, Colorado, where he runs and writes every day.

Photography and the outdoors could have been made for each other. This book is about making the most of that connection. Outdoor enthusiasts who want their photographs to do full justice to the quality of their outdoor experiences need look no further. Building on the foundations of the original Cicerone guide to outdoor photography, this second edition has been rewritten from the ground up, and expanded to cover a wide range of outdoor activities on land, in and on the water, in the air and in extreme environments. Professional outdoor photographers Jon Sparks and Chiz Dakin introduce and explain essential technical concepts in the clearest possible language. The emphasis is on practical, realistic advice for people who want to take better photographs of what they like doing best, while still enjoying it to the max.

Facts, figures, review, awards and hall of fame of Memphis Wrestling area. The book is the year in review from www.rasslinriotonline.com including photos.

In "Chasing the Runner's High," Ray Charbonneau tells the story how he pushed his addiction to running up to, and then past, his limits. There are plenty of hard miles, but there's lots of fun along the way too as Ray shares what he learned, what he should have learned, and what he still has to learn from running. Marshall Ulrich, 4-time winner of the Badwater Ultramarathon and author of "Running on Empty," calls Chasing the Runner's High "a look at one man's life and obsession with running and addictive behaviors. Humorous at times, but always looking toward the greater good, Ray shares life's ups and downs and provides a hard look into the mind of a runner, offering advice that can only be had with experience and hard fought miles underfoot. Adena Schulzberg, winner of the 2006 Arkansas Marathon, writes, "these are brutally honest tales, told with candor and frankness about strength, courage, obsession, desire and hard won understanding of self and sport." It's a great read for runners or for non-runners who want to understand their running friends. www.y42k.com/books/chasingtherunnershigh.html

Author and photographer team Chris Nelson and Demi Taylor are permanently on the road, this time with the ultimate guide to outdoor activities in Britain. Footprint's "Outsiders Guide to Britain and Ireland" covers the cream of the crop, whether for a bit of surfing, downhill riding, or gentle hiking. These plus many more activities are covered, with a full lowdown on what they are and where and when to do them, plus insider knowledge from local legends and experts and all the usual Footprint information on where to eat and sleep. With fantastic mapping and incredible photography, this guide is perfect for anyone wanting to get the most from the great outdoors.

"&#8220... refreshingly free of the hubris that marks
much adventure writing ... The reader never feels assaulted
by Kobalenko&#8217s daring, only inspired by it. &#8221"
&#8212THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
The Horizontal Everest brings to vivid, awe-inspiring life one of the most forbidding,
arresting, and beautiful places on the planet: Ellesmere Island-a virgin wilderness that
author and photographer Jerry Kobalenko has traversed more than anyone else in history.
"&#8220... charming and refreshingly honest ...
a portrait of remarkable people and harsh landscapes,
and the siren-like allure of both. &#8221"
&#8212SIMON WINCHESTER, The Map That Changed the World
"&#8220... a compelling portrait of a harsh yet inviting place ... wonderful ... &#8221
" &#8212KENN HARPER, Give Me My Father&#8217s Body
"&#8220The ... stories fill me with passion and dreams. &#8221"
&#8212BORGE OUSLAND, Arctic expeditioner
JERRY KOBALENKO is one of the world&#8217s premier Arctic travelers. His writing and photography appear in such magazines as "Conde Nast Traveler," "Canadian Geographic," and "Outside." When he is not on an extreme journey, he lives in Canmore, Alberta, with his fellow adventurer and wife, Alexandra.

In "Paddling Alaska," you can drive to all the lakes and rivers described in this guide. This fact might sound unremarkable, but Alaska is mostly wilderness, with few highways. This is the first guidebook to organize journeys in this manner.

This book answers the call to action raised by ""The Last Child in the Woods"".The technology boom of recent years has given kids numerous reasons to stay inside and play, while parents' increasing safety concerns make it tempting to keep children close to home. But what is being lost as fewer kids spend their free time outdoors? Deprived of meaningful contact with nature, children often fail to develop a significant relationship with the natural world, much less a sense of reverence and respect for the world outside their doors.""A Natural Sense of Wonder"" is one father's attempt to seek alternatives to the ""flickering waves of TV and the electrifying boing of video games"" and get kids outside and into nature. In the spirit of Rachel Carson's ""The Sense of Wonder"", Rick Van Noy journeys out of his suburban home with his children and describes the pleasures of walking in a creek, digging for salamanders, and learning to appreciate vultures. Through these and other ""walks to school,"" the Van Noys discover what lives nearby, what nature has to teach, and why this matters.From the backyard to the hiking trail, in a tide pool and a tree house, in the wild and in town, these narrative essays explore the terrain of childhood threatened by the lure of computers and television, by fear and the loss of play habitat, showing how kids thrive in their special places. In chronicling one parent's determination (and at times frustration) to get his kids outside, ""A Natural Sense of Wonder"" suggests ways kids both young and old can experience the wonder found only in the natural world.

Essays debate the lasting power of extreme sports and whether or not the benefits of the sports outweigh the risks.

Welcome to the adventures and misadventures from a quarter century of hang gliding and travel. Huck yourself off cliffs, soar into the Wild Blue, and land where no human has landed before, all from the comfort and safety of your easy chair. Visit exotic lands and foreign skies, experience the thrill of foot-launched human flight and never even risk your neck. Come along with a wild cast of characters, who fly like their lives depend upon it. Realize mankind's most ancient dream, FLY WITH THE BIRDS

Beneath our feet is a secret world - and you can visit it. The 50 underground adventures featured in this book are not just for intrepid potholers and other daredevils. Hidden beneath Britain are plenty of attractions open to everyone.

This is the definitive guide to the best days out underground. From caves to nuclear bunkers, sewers to secret railways, as well as abandoned mines, ancient crypts and labyrinthine tunnels, these unique tourist attractions are a journey through Britain's hidden history going back thousands of years.

Travel writer Peter Naldrett explores each location with evocative, light-hearted text that reveals the fascinating history of why it came to be constructed, or how it was first discovered. As well as information about facilities and accessibility, Peter also includes essential advice about how to get there and when to go.

There are atmospheric full colour photographs throughout, and boxes that highlight precisely why you should visit, as well as things to look out for when you do. Days Out Underground has something to excite everyone, especially families - here's how you entertain the kids on those wet-weather weekends!