Sooner or later everyone who ventures out on the water will encounter strong winds and confused seas, fog, thunderstorms, or heavy rain. This book acquaints boaters with the forces that shape weather, allowing them to predict what changes can be expected. Part I presents a logical explanation of climate and weather, concentrating on those aspects that affect the mariner the most -- wind speed and direction, low visibility, thunderstorms, gales, and hurricanes. Part II, which can be read independently, deals with the effects of climate and weather on all types and sizes of boats, without...

Women's participation in parliaments, high courts, and executive offices worldwide has reached record high numbers, but this global increase in women's representation masks significant variation among different democratic political systems. For example, in December of 2009, Rwanda's legislature contained 56% women, while the U.S. Congress contained only about 17% and the Japanese Diet had only 11%. Since 2000, only twenty-seven women have achieved executive office worldwide. Contagious Representation is a comprehensive look at women's participation in all aspects of public life in...