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The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World (Dumb Birds Ser.)
by Matt KrachtLet's face it—all birds are fascinating, wonderful, idiotic jerks—no matter where in the world they reside.Following in the footsteps of the bestselling book The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America, this hilarious sequel ventures beyond to identify the stupidest birds around the world. Featuring birds from North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, author Matt Kracht identifies the dumb birds that manage to live all over the freaking place with snarky, yet accurate, names and humorous, anger-filled drawings.This guide book details exactly how much these morons suck with facts about each bird's (annoying) call, its (stupid) migratory pattern, and its (downright tacky) markings. Complete with a matching game, bird descriptor checklist, tips on how to identify a bird (you can tell a lot by looking into a bird's eyes, for example), this profanity-laden book offers a balance of fact and wit that will appeal to hardcore birders and casual bird lovers (and haters) alike.A MUST-HAVE: A must-have sequel to the bestselling parody book The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America.UNIQUE & LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY: This is a great coffee table or bar top conversation-starting book. And a bonus, while the content is humorous, it is practical and useful!A GREAT PRESENT: This is the perfect gift for the bird lovers and haters in your life. It also makes a great Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthday, retirement, or gag gift.Perfect for:• Birdwatching and nature enthusiasts• Armchair birders (or nonbirders)• Someone who needs a quirky gift for an animal lover friend• People with serious birders in their lives who want something lighthearted
Geo-Graphics
by Regina GiménezOur universe is brimming with secrets, and surprising curiosities. Here readers will learn the answers to all the questions they've asked themselves:What does the Sun look like from different planets in our galaxy? Why doesn't the Moon always appear the same? What is the largest river on Earth? And the highest mountain?In Geo-Graphics, our world becomes transformed by acclaimed artist Regina Giménez, into 96 pages of gorgeous shapes and colors. Planets and stars, continents and islands, rivers and lakes, volcanos and hurricanes … here they are presented as circles, polygons, lines, spirals, and accompanying facts that explain the world around us.This special and unusual atlas is a marriage of science and art like no other.
Forest School for Grown-Ups: Explore the Wisdom of the Woods
by Richard IrvineFrom starting a fire to foraging for food, basket making to making a bird feeder, tree hugging and cloud scrying, this beautifully designed forest almanac is a treasure for anyone who loves the outdoors.Forest schools for kids originated in Scandinavia as outdoor play-based learning groups, and in 2016 The Forest School Foundation was established in the USA. But why should kids have all the fun? Connecting with green spaces, trees, and plants can lift our spirits, lower our stress levels, and relax our brains – in short, playing outside is good for adults, too.Forest School for Grown-Ups is here to help. A gorgeous and comprehensive guide to all things outdoors for anyone who loves being in and interacting with nature, readers will learn how to make a rope sing, go forest bathing, read flowers, build a campfire, and make a forest potion. From practical tips and how-tos to forest folklore, there's something for everyone.Exquisite lino cut art and illustrations run throughout, along with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and more. Forest School for Grown-Ups provides the perfect resource for people of all ages to enjoy spending quality time outdoors. From starting a fire to foraging for food, basket making to making a bird feeder, tree hugging and cloud scrying, this beautifully designed forest almanac is a treasure for anyone who loves the outdoors.HANDY AND INFORMATIVE: Comprehensive collection of all things trees, loaded with practical content with a rich, powerful design, making it the perfect gift for anyone who loves the outdoorsBEAUTIFUL AND DISTINCTIVE: Features unique handmade linocut art.FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Family-friendly, for all agesPerfect for:• Anyone who loves the outdoors, camping, trees, and nature• Father's Day, birthday, and holiday gift-givers
How to Make a Mountain: In Just 9 Simple Steps and Only 100 Million Years!
by Amy HuntingtonGeology and earth science made easy (to learn) and super quick (to read about). You, too, can make a mountain—just grab this nonfiction picture book and start today!DO IT YOURSELF!START TODAY!From shaping peaks and crafting a glacier to nurturing your own plants and animals, these nine simple steps cover everything you need to know to make your very own mountain. In this book, you'll learn how to• Crush a piece of continent into a mountain range;• Freeze and melt glaciers;• Carve ravines, valleys, rivers, and mountain lakes;• Foster plants and develop a fertile layer of soil; and• Fill your mountain with a wide variety of animals that will work together to keep your mountain ecosystems healthyYES—YOU, TOO, CAN MAKE A MOUNTAIN!It is a big job, but it's also a thrilling adventure! Pack your snacks, load up your gear, and get ready for the challenge of a lifetime!*Tectonic plates, tools, and wildlife not included. Some restrictions apply. The authors assume no responsibility for frostbite, landslides, or accidental volcanoes.SCIENCE WITH A PLAYFUL, DIY TWIST: This fun and funny nonfiction picture book humorously encourages readers to get busy making their own mountain ranges. By the end, they will have learned the many steps that ultimately turn a rock into a peak, a slope into a gorge, snow into a glacier, and much more!GREAT FOR BUDDING ENVIRONTMENTALISTS: Once readers have "built" their mountains, their jobs aren't over—because the environment needs caretakers and stewards, of course! With rich back matter and lush illustrations accompanying an engaging text, this picture book is perfect for instilling a love of the natural world in budding scientists, environmental activists, and nature enthusiasts.STRONG CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Earth science is a staple classroom subject in all elementary school grades. With a depth of research and an engaging, highly visual narrative, this book is an excellent resource for librarians and primary school educators.Perfect for:• Teachers and librarians• Parents, grandparents, and caregivers• Anyone who loves or collects rocks• Lovers of fun, unique approaches to nonfiction and STEM topics• Gift-givers looking for a one-of-a-kind gift that's both funny and educational
Nanise', A Navajo Herbal: One Hundred Plants from the Navajo Reservation
by Vernon O. Mayes Barbara Bayless LacyNanise', A Navajo Herbal, co-authored by Vernon O. Mayes and Barbara Bayless Lacy, details 100 plants that are found on the Navajo Reservation, providing the reader with the Navajo name for each plant as well as ways the Navajos used them in everyday life, whether for ceremonial, medicinal or household purposes - complete with illustrations. The 100 plants are some of the most common Reservation flora of over 1,500 species of wild, vascular plants, including ferns, horsetails, conifers and flowering species and were selected by the Navajo Health Authority, Ethnobotany Project staff and approved by the Navajo Medicine Men's Association.
Lowriders to the Rescue
by Cathy CamperThe next books in the acclaimed Lowriders series combines comics, Spanish, mixing cultures, science, superheroes, and first loves for an out-of-this-world graphic novel experience.A changing planet means new problems—and new friends—for nuestros amigos favoritos!Meet Lupe, a whip-smart impala with a flair for mechanicsFlapjack, a sweet young octopus who can shine up anything with his eight gleaming tentaclesand Elirio, a thoughtful mosquito who's fascinated with words and determined to become an artist.What do all three have in common? A love of lowriders—and a passion for solving problems!Nothing is normal in the little town where the Lowriders live. To start, Flappy can't see a thing! He keeps mistaking fire hydrants for sailors and laundry for love interests. Even more worrying, the Upscale Business Association is determined to make more money than ever by tearing down local shops in favor of a brand-new development for wealthy landowners. Most disconcerting of all, the monarchs who usually migrate through town at this time of year are nowhere to be found. But when Sokar, a beautiful young monarch, bikes into town with a broken wing, she has scary news to report: A dangerous wildfire is burning fast and hot and nonstop, leaving the monarchs stranded.Might Sokar and Flappy have more in common than meets the goggles? How can the Lowriders save their town? And exactly how powerful is passion in the face of an overheated planet's furious flames?Humor, Spanish, and lowriders come together in this rollicking journey through the bumpy terrain of new friends, climate change, and standing up for what you believe in. ¡Vámonos!ACCLAIMED SERIES: Books in the Lowriders series have won the Pura Belpré award, and won the hearts of readers and reviewers. Discover why kids—and their adults—love reading about the Lowriders!PERFECT FOR RELUCTANT READERS: Bold illustrated spreads, funny storylines, and lots to look at on every page keep reluctant readers engaged all the way through these delightfully entertaining books.DIVERSE CAST OF CHARACTERS: Latinx and Arab cultures are beautifully celebrated in this book, with fascinating facts about these unexpectedly intersecting cultures.CONTEMPORARY ISSUES FOR KIDS: These books tackle so many contemporary and relevant issues. Readers will learn about monarch butterfly migrations and sustainable energy: The Lowriders refurbish their car to be solar-powered!VISUALLY DYNAMIC: Raúl's unique art style is visually refreshing and extremely engaging for kid readers, especially those who love comics and graphic novels!Perfect for:• Fans of the previous Lowriders books• Comic and graphic novel lovers• Reluctant readers• Educators and librarians looking for diverse books
A Tree a Day: 365 of the World’s Most Majestic Trees
by Amy-Jane BeerImmerse yourself in the beauty and power of nature with a different tree for every day of the year.Spend every day of the year with one of the world's most fascinating trees. In A Tree a Day seasoned nature writer and journalist Amy-Jane Beer shares 365 majestic and memorable trees from around the world. From the strength of Alder trees to the biology behind the autumn colors of New England; from folkloric medicines in tree sap to Shakespeare's Birnam Wood; from the giant sequoias of California to Klimt's Birch trees—A Tree a Day explores the botany, poetry, folklore, rich history, and natural beauty of trees. Dip in and out or spend each day exploring a new natural wonder. With award-winning photography, works of art, and detailed illustrations on every page, A Tree a Day illuminates the timeless splendor and power of the world's trees.GORGEOUS ILLUSTRATIONS: Each tree is illustrated with a unique work of art—from classical painting to breathtaking photographs.MEDITATIVE START TO EACH DAY: A Tree a Day is a beautiful reminder to pause each day and appreciate the natural world—no matter where you are. Each of the 365 entries offers a seasonal quote, fact, or story about trees to inspire gratitude and wonder.EVERGREEN: Nature lovers will return to this book day after day, year after year—it makes for the perfect bite-sized, bedside reading.AUTHOR EXPERTISE: In addition to being a nature writer for The Guardian, Amy Jane-Beer has written more than 30 books about science and natural history.Perfect for:Tree and Nature Enthusiasts; Gardeners; Hikers, Backpackers, and Campers; Environmentalist; Fans of A Cloud a Day
At the Glacier’s Edge: A Natural History of Long Island from the Narrows to Montauk Point
by Betsy McCullyVast salt marshes, ancient grasslands, lush forests, pristine beaches and dunes, and copious inland waters, all surrounded by a teeming sea. These are probably not the first things you imagine when you think of Long Island, but just beyond its highways and housing developments lies a stunning landscape full of diverse plant and animal life. Combining science writing, environmental history, and first-hand accounts from a longtime resident, At the Glacier’s Edge offers a unique narrative natural history of Long Island. Betsy McCully tells the story of how the island was formed at the end of the last ice age, how its habitats evolved, and how humans in the last few hundred years have radically altered and degraded its landscape. Yet as she personally recounts the habitat losses and species declines she has witnessed over the past few decades, she describes the vital efforts that environmental activists are making to restore and reclaim this land—from replanting salt marshes, to preserving remaining grasslands and forests, to cleaning up the waters. At the Glacier’s Edge provides an in-depth look at the flora, fauna and geology that make Long Island so special.
The Other Jersey Shore: Life on the Delaware River
by Michael Aaron RocklandRiver otters, black bears, and red foxes drink from its clear waters. Prickly pear cacti grow from the red shale cliffs that overlook it, while on the river near Bordentown lies the archeological remnants of a sprawling estate built by the former King of Spain, Napoleon’s brother, who lived there for almost twenty years. You might imagine this magical and majestic waterway is located in some faraway land. But in fact, it’s the backbone and lifeblood of the Garden State: the Delaware River. The Other Jersey Shore takes readers on a personal tour of the New Jersey portion of the Delaware River and its surroundings. You will learn about the role that the river played in human history, including Washington’s four crossings of the Delaware during the Revolutionary War. And you will also learn about the ecological history of the river itself, once one of the most polluted waterways in the country and now one of the cleanest, providing drinking water for 17 million people. Michael Aaron Rockland, a long-time New Jersey resident, shows readers his very favorite spots along the Delaware, including the pristine waterfalls and wilderness in the Delaware Water Gap recreation area. Along the way, he shares engrossing stories and surprising facts about the river that literally defines western New Jersey.
Beaches, Bays, and Barrens: A Natural History of the Jersey Shore
by Eric G. BolenThe Jersey Shore attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn to its sandy beaches. Yet New Jersey’s coastline contains a richer array of biodiverse habitats than most tourists realize, from seagrass meadows to salt marshes to cranberry bogs. Beaches, Bays, and Barrens introduces readers to the natural wonders of the Jersey Shore, revealing its unique ecology and fascinating history. The journey begins with the contributions and discoveries of early naturalists who visited the region and an overview of endangered species and natural history, followed by chapters that explore different facets of the shore’s environments. These start with sandy beaches and dunes and culminate in the engaging Pine Barrens, the vital watershed for much of the state’s varied coastline. Along the way, readers will also learn about whaling, decoy carvers, an extinct duck, and the cultivation of wild blueberries. Including over seventy color photographs, the book also features twenty-three infoboxes that go deep into areas of ecological or historical interest, such as the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge or the Jaws-like shark attacks of 1916. From Cape May to Sandy Hook, biologist Eric G. Bolen takes you on a guided tour of the Jersey Shore’s rich ecological heritage.
Governing Maya Communities and Lands in Belize: Indigenous Rights, Markets, and Sovereignties
by Laurie Kroshus MedinaConfronting a debt crisis, the Belizean government has strategized to maximize revenues from lands designated as state property, privatizing lands for cash crop production and granting concessions for timber and oil extraction. Meanwhile, conservation NGOs have lobbied to establish protected areas on these lands to address a global biodiversity crisis. They promoted ecotourism as a market-based mechanism to fund both conservation and debt repayment; ecotourism also became a mechanism for governing lands and people—even state actors themselves—through the market. Mopan and Q’eqchi’ Maya communities, dispossessed of lands and livelihoods through these efforts, pursued claims for Indigenous rights to their traditional lands through Inter-American and Belizean judicial systems. This book examines the interplay of conflicting forms of governance that emerged as these strategies intersected: state performances of sovereignty over lands and people, neoliberal rule through the market, and Indigenous rights-claiming, which challenged both market logics and practices of sovereignty.
Children in Tourism Communities: Sustainability and Social Justice
by Marko Koščak Mladen Knežević Tony O’Rourke Tina ŠegotaThis book explores how children living in tourism destinations are particularly susceptible to the impacts of tourism and how they can be included in public policies, programmes and decision-making, focusing particularly on case studies in Europe.Children in Tourism Communities argues that for tourism to exercise its regenerative role and encourage sustainable development, it must be inclusive of all voices, especially children who represent the future generation and will soon become adults with the rights and responsibilities for engaging in and delivering tourism activities. The book is based on original, ground-breaking research assessing the views of children regarding tourism, with a specific focus on sustainable tourism and development. It includes discussion on key case study locations including Croatia, India, Ireland, Malta, Serbia and Slovenia, although the themes, issues and practices have relevance in all tourism destinations worldwide. Through child-centred research, the book evaluates the differences between those living in mass tourism destinations and smaller-scale micro tourism areas. It encourages a rethinking of sustainability as a concept and demonstrates how tourism can be utilised as a tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.This will be an important discussion text for students, academics, and instructors in sustainable tourism and development, destination management, culture and heritage, as well as practitioners engaged in continuing professional development in these areas.
Building Bridges for Effective Environmental Participation: The Chiquitano Multimodal Format for Disseminating the Escazú Agreement (Human Rights Interventions)
by Margherita Paola Poto Giulia ParolaThis open-access book aims to explore and promote indigenous participation in legal design and visual law, with a specific focus on co-creating a visual representation of the Escazu Agreement in collaboration with the Chiquitano people. This project stands out as a unique and transformative endeavor, offering distinctive features and a range of benefits to its readers and stakeholders.
Positive Tipping Points Towards Sustainability: Understanding the Conditions and Strategies for Fast Decarbonization in Regions (Springer Climate)
by J. David Tàbara Alexandros Flamos Diana Mangalagiu Serafeim MichasThis open access book provides the first comprehensive review of the state of the art of social tipping points applied to energy systems from a social interdisciplinary perspective. It does so by presenting a novel theory of systemic and transformative change, linking it to empirical cases assisted with relevant assessment methodologies, including modeling. The authors unveil the narratives and visions, the transformative capacities as well as deliberate strategies and collective actions that at one point in time have been able - or were prevented - to tip a given social-ecological system towards low-carbon, sustainable trajectories in diverse high-intensive carbon regions around the world. This volume shows that self-reinforcing learning feedbacks connecting transformative solutions and strategies across scales and domains can be induced by targeted policy interventions both in local and regional contexts. It further indicates how changes in behavioral patterns, supported by good governance of disruptive technologies, carbon (dis)investment and finance processes as well as new forms of civic engagement, can create the necessary transformative enabling conditions for the emergence of positive tipping points towards low-carbon sustainable futures. The book is a must-read for students, researchers, and scholars, as well as policy-makers and practitioners interested in a better understanding of sustainability, climate, and energy issues and in assessing the potential impacts and effectiveness of strategic interventions aimed at accelerating just sustainable decarbonization processes.
Geothermal Fields of India
by Kriti Yadav Anirbid Sircar Manan ShahThis book explores and highlights the geothermal fields of India. Until recently geothermal energy has little significance in India, therefore this book will help to provide an understanding of the potentials of Indian geothermal fields. This book will offer guidance on how to estimate the significance and resource potential of this geothermal region.The book aims to unfold the four tectonically divided geothermal regions of India namely, NW-SE Himalayan arc system with continuation to Andaman Nicobar Island, Son-Narmada-Tapti Lineament, West Coast Continental Margin and Gondwana Grabens along with Delhi Folding’s. The techniques for several direct to indirect applications of geothermal energy are described; such as power generation, desalination, honey processing, milk pasteurization, space heating and cooling, etc. This book covers the uses of geothermal water for industrial, domestic, and agricultural use. These applications increase the rate of employment in the rural and remote locations, in turn providing further societal benefits.The book also discusses the several base metal and rare earth element extractions using geothermal water, for example; lithium, zinc, manganese, and helium.This is an open access book.
Textbook of Environment and Ecology
by Vir SinghThis textbook is focused on fundamentals of environment and ecology for undergraduate and graduate students. This is first of its kind book dealing with physical environment, ecosystems, biological diversity, environmental pollution, and environment-influenced natural resource ecology and management. This will cater to the needs of the students, examinees, trainees, and teachers. It consists of 23 chapters spread over 5 sections i.e., ecosystem analysis, natural resources, biodiversity, environmental disruptions, and environmental management. The textbook is well aligned with the syllabus of all central and state universities and offers the latest insights as well to the students of undergraduate and postgraduate courses of ecology and environmental sciences. Every chapter provides summary/points to remember and exercises. Each exercise includes 20 multiple-choice questions, 10 short-answer questions, and 5 long-answer questions. The textbook is a comprehensive coverage for basic and advanced courses in ecology and environmental sciences. Each topic is supported by illustrations, tables, and information boxes etc.
Work, Politics and the Green Industrial Revolution: A Reflective Analysis of the UK Green Jobs Taskforce
by Douglas W.S. RenwickIn 2020, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched The Green Jobs Taskforce, which extended and articulated the green jobs policy of his government and its position within conservative political ideology. This book critically highlights gaps in the political and business decision-making of his Taskforce, most notably on: the limited role of employers and HRM associations in skills building for staff in non-polluter industries (solar and wind); issues of a fair and just transition for workers losing jobs in the polluter industries (fossil fuels); and the lack of employee voice in both work arenas. The overtly pro-conservative and political nature of this UK Taskforce is also analyzed, which occurs and operates in opposition to British trade unions and the wider labor movement, by not prioritizing the just transition, alongside the extensive skills, training and passporting requirements that British workers need to gain decent, green jobs.This book is distinctive in offering the first in-depth analysis and critique of the UK Green Jobs Taskforce, in examining this Taskforce using conservative political ideas, and by critiquing it too. Little academic literature is available globally on the business impact and analysis of UK governmental sustainability policy, and this study can provide wider learning points, lessons and implications for other green job plans being formed and enacted in the EU, USA and other countries. It will be of great interest to academics and students of sustainability, HRM, organizational behavior, organization studies and employment relations.
Routledge Handbook of Climate Change and Health System Sustainability
by Jeffrey Braithwaite Yvonne Zurynski Carolynn K-lynn SmithThe Routledge Handbook on Climate Change and Health System Sustainability takes the reader on a journey to understand the interconnectedness of human health, climate change, and healthcare systems.The book begins by exploring how climate change is affecting human health through the increasing frequency of natural disasters, such as bush fires, droughts and heatwaves, and the emergence of new infectious diseases, such as the SARS-CoV2 virus, all of which drive up demand for health services that are already heavily burdened by increasing rates of chronic diseases and ageing populations. Chapters then turn to the contribution of the healthcare system itself to climate change— explaining how current clinical practices, including wasteful care of low value, create an unsustainable carbon footprint and threaten the very viability of healthcare systems. Throughout the volume, descriptions of practical solutions and implemented case studies are used to illustrate the feasibility of taking action in the real world of the healthcare delivery ecosystem.Bringing together a mix of forward-thinking environmental and health researchers, policymakers, leaders, managers, clinicians, patients, and health industry leaders to clarify the current state and future of sustainable healthcare systems, this book will be of interest to researchers and policymakers of climate and health systems.
Letters from the Earth: Uncensored Writings
by Mark Twain“The most impressive contribution to books by Mark Twain since The Mysterious Stranger of 1916...The attitude is that of Swift, the intellectual contempt is that of Voltaire, and the imagination is that of one of the great masters of American writing.”—New York Times Book ReviewVirtually none of the material in Letters from the Earth was published in Twain’s lifetime and the manuscript was only approved by his executors in 1962. This is vintage Twain—sharp, witty, imaginative, wildly funny. His voice is as vigorous and blistering as ever, capable of surprising truth and provoking laughter in the most unlikely places. In this collection, he presents himself as the Father of History, reviewing and interpreting events from the garden of Eden through the Fall and the Flood, translating the papers of Adam and his descendants down through the generations. There are comments on James Fenimore Cooper, English architecture, and the civilization of the French, as well as proposals for a simplified alphabet and a parody of books on etiquette. Letters from the Earth an exuberantly eclectic collection.
The Oak Papers
by James Canton"A profound meditation on the human need for connection with nature, as one man seeks solace beneath the bows of an ancient oak tree."—Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees"James Canton knows so much, writes so well and understands so deeply about the true forest magic and the important place these trees have in it. Knowledge and joy."— Sara Maitland, author of How to Be AloneJoining the ranks of The Hidden Life of Trees and H is for Hawk, an evocative memoir and ode to one of the most majestic living things on earth—the oak tree—probing the mysteries of nature and the healing role it plays in our lives.Thrown into turmoil by the end of his long-term relationship, Professor James Canton spent two years meditating [PA1]beneath the welcoming shelter of the massive 800-year-old Honywood Oak tree in North Essex, England. While considering the direction of his own life, he began to contemplate the existence of this colossus tree. Standing in England for centuries, the oak would have been a sapling when the Magna Carta was signed in 1215.In this beautiful, transportive book, Canton tells the story of this tree in its ecological, spiritual, literary, and historical contexts, using it as a prism to see his own life and human history. The Oak Papers is a reflection on change and transformation, and the role nature has played in sustaining and redeeming us. Canton examines our long-standing dependency on the oak, and how that has developed and morphed into myth and legend. We no longer need these sturdy trees to build our houses and boats, to fuel our fires, or to grind their acorns into flour in times of famine. What purpose, then, do they serve in our world today? Are these miracles of nature no longer necessary to our lives? What can they offer us? Taking inspiration from the literary world—Henry David Thoreau, Leo Tolstoy, Katherine Basford’s Green Man, Thomas Hardy, William Shakespeare, and others—Canton ponders the wondrous magic of nature and the threats its faces, from human development to climate change, implores us to act as responsible stewards to conserve what is precious, and reminds us of the lessons we can learn from the world around us, if only we slow down enough to listen.
Born to Fish: How an Obsessed Angler Became the World's Greatest Striped Bass Fisherman
by Tim Gallagher Greg MyersonFrom RattleSinker inventor Grey Myerson, "an extraordinary story of one man's obsession, a tale of passion, brutality, tragedy, and redemption...a book about a love of fishing that tackles the deepest themes of life" (Helen Macdonald, author of H is for Hawk).Born to Fish tells the tale of a man who led a harrowing, sometimes dissolute life until he turned himself around, thanks to his rod and reel. Overcoming learning disabilities, substance abuse, and the violence associated with a father in the mob, Greg Myerson, a lifelong sport-fisherman, caught an 82-pound striped bass in 2011, shattering a world record that had stood for 29 years. Without any training in biological research, he began studying the striped bass like a scientist—examining how it hunts, the food it eats, how its behavior is affected by moon phases and the cycles of the tides—which led to the creation of the RattleSinker, the lure that helped him catch the record-setting bass. During an appearance on the TV show Shark Tank, Mark Cuban bought a 33 percent share of Greg's company, World Record Striper Company. Yet at the very instant he achieved his crowning glory as a striped bass fisherman, he had a staggering epiphany and instantly regretted killing the fish. Greg is now at the forefront of the effort to save the big striped bass, the most prolific breeders, and actively promotes no-kill catch-and-release tournaments.
Off Course: Inside the Mad, Muddy World of Obstacle Course Racing
by Erin Beresini&“Beresini uncovers the growing sport&’s most compelling characters and provides the most authoritative insiders&’ guide to date.&” —Outside &“Obstacle course racing has taken the endurance world by storm, and in Off Course Erin Beresini gives us an insider perspective into the conflict and appeal of these masochistic suffer-fests, culminating in her quest to complete the granddaddy of them all, the Spartan Ultra Beast. A must-read for anyone currently competing in, or considering taking on, one of these newfangled racing events.&” —Dean Karnazes, best-selling author of Ultramarathon Man Everyone has seen the pictures on their social media feeds: friends or family wearing mud-spattered athletic gear, holding a medal to proclaim they&’ve crossed the finish line of an intensely grueling race. Indeed, obstacle course racing is the fastest growing sport in U.S. history. Every week, thousands of athletes shell out money to run through mud and fire, crawl under barbed wire, scramble over ten-foot walls, and dodge baton-wielding gladiators. Erin Beresini&’s Off Course chronicles the author&’s period of training and competition in obstacle course racing. As she investigates the world behind this military-inspired amateur competition and the industry surrounding it, Beresini meets the diverse characters who compete in these races and uncovers the sport&’s biggest scandals, lawsuits, and rivalries. And through her own race training, Erin illuminates the history, science, and psychology of this sport that is taking the endurance world by storm. &“[Beresini&’s] narrative has humor and heart, and a carnival of characters . . . By the end of her riotous narrative, I had to wipe mud from my glasses at least twenty-six times.&”—Gary M. Pomerantz, author of Their Life&’s Work: The Brotherhood of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers, Then and Now
The Wall of Birds: One Planet, 243 Families, 375 Million Years
by Jane Kim Thayer WalkerA celebration of the diversity and evolution of birds, as depicted in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's magnificent 2,500-square-foot Wall of Birds mural by artist Jane Kim.Part homage, part artistic and sociological journey, The Wall of Birds tells the story of birds' remarkable 375-million-year evolution. With a foreword by John W. Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and full of lush photographs of gorgeous life-size birds painted in exacting detail, The Wall of Birds lets readers explore these amazing creatures family by family and continent by continent. Throughout, beautifully crafted narratives and intimate artistic reflections tell of the evolutionary forces that created birds' dazzling variety of forms and colors, and reveal powerful lessons about birds that are surprisingly relevant to contemporary human challenges.From the tiny five-inch Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird to the monstrous thirty-foot Yutyrannus, The Wall of Birds is a visual feast, essential for bird enthusiasts, naturalists, and art lovers alike.
Sleeping Bags to S'mores: Camping Basics
by Heather Balogh Rochfort William RochfortFrom choosing a destination and staying safe to what to cook and doing it on a budget, this guide provides fun advice for tent camping, car camping, and backpacking. Ever wanted to go camping, but had no idea where to start? Need to unplug, but not sure what to do? Do you have childhood memories of camping bliss, but no idea how to do it on your own? Sleeping Bags to S'mores has you covered! From two expert writers on camping and backpacking, this book covers everything you need to know about how to go camping. From picking a destination and what to pack to how to deal with wildlife (including kids), sporty guides Heather and Will Rochfort will show you the way. Sleeping Bags to S'mores is everything you need to know to have the relaxing, fun-filled camping experience you're looking for, and it includes 100 entertaining full-color illustrations.
I Am Maru
by mugumoguMeet Maru!This round, adorable Scottish Fold cat may be an internet sensation, but he knows how to keep his celebrity status from going to his fluffy head . . . mostly. Maru and his owner, mugumogu, give readers a peek into the low-key life of the world’s most famous cat. See all his favorite hiding places—trash cans, cupboards, cereal boxes . . . if it’s cozy, he’s there—meet his treasured toys, and learn what it means to wield just the right amount of cat-titude.