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When Sue Hubbell moved from her longtime home on a farm in Missouri to a house perched on the rocky coast of Maine, the first thing she did was investigate the living things in her new environment to ease the loneliness of a new place. She peered under rocks, in dark crevices, and beneath mounds of leaves, looking for members of nature's secretive ruling class--the invertebrates.
In Waiting for Aphrodite, Hubbell first trains her microscopic gaze on camel crickets--"They grew a bright orange bump on the back of what we would like to call their necks but mustn't, because bugs don't have necks"--and sea cucumbers--"cool and leathery and limp, a little like a damp, deflated football." From there, she continues her tour with millipedes, sponges, periwinkles, corals, earthworms, horseshoe crabs, and other underappreciated earth-dwellers, describing each species in lushly metaphoric prose and a perfectly appropriate sense of wonder. These are strange beasts, and their ways are mysterious. Yet Hubbell seeks, and finds, common ground between invertebrates and humans. She writes that the first useful behavioral mandate for isopods such as pill bugs is "Walk toward shelter," a rule that applies easily to vulnerable humans as well.
The thing that binds all animals is the constant search for the necessities of life. And for Hubbell, a sense of place and knowledge of her neighbors is as crucial as food or shelter. Hence the heart of the book--her search for a glimpse of the elusive sea mouse, Aphrodite aculeata, a small, soft-bodied sea creature with a velvety, iridescent coat. While waiting for Aphrodite, she finds gorgeous bits of life all around her and begins to feel at home. --Therese Littleton
Book Description
In this wonderful new book Sue Hubbell takes us into the remarkable lives of the little-known creatures that really run the world: earthworms, corals, lightning bugs, pill bugs, millipedes, crickets, spiders, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and, most elusive and enigmatic of all, Aphrodite, the sea mouse. She also leads us on a journey through the mysteries of time -- geological, biological, and personal -- as she writes of the evolution of life on this planet and the evolution of her own life, from childhood next to a Michigan graveyard to beekeeping in the Ozarks and finally to a tower by the sea in Maine, where she waits and watches for Aphrodite.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful look at nature!.......2003-11-22
I grew up in New England, on the water, so when I came across this book it particularly sparked my attention. I've always had a great fascination with horseshoe crabs adn there's a superb chapter on them in this book. There are lots of neat animals discussed in this book - sea life like sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, sea sponges etc. But also land dwellers like spiders, millipedes, crickets fireflies, etc. Like other books by Hubbel there are some technical aspects to the book but its woven in so nicely with other interesting facts, stories that its an enjoyable read. I also like that she provides additional references for further reading.
Invertebrates in All Their Glory!.......2003-08-01
Sue Hubbell's book, "Waiting for Aphrodite: Journeys into the Time Before Bones," is a treat for anyone interested in these fascinating creatures. Her coverage of earthworms, millipedes, fireflies, sponges, horseshoe crabs and the strange mouse-like worm, Aphrodita, is a joy to an invertebrate zoologist and should be a great read for laymen who are open to the strange world of so-called creepy-crawlies. I have studied these creatures for much of my life, but could find few errors in Hubbell's chapters. She did her research well. Her life on the Ozarks reminds me of a woman I once met at a scientific conference. She also came from the Ozarks, where her family had worried about her when she was a little girl because she liked to watch salamanders in the rain and spiders spinning their webs. Some of her mountain relatives were sure she was bewitched. I am sure that Sue Hubbell is also "bewitched" by the strange world of these strange creatures- weird enough to live on the planet Mars. I know I was!
Read this book if you are at all interested in the natural world around you. It will introduce you to the real masters of our planet.
Bug Lady of Maine.......2001-06-01
At first this book is interesting and sometimes amusing. Above all it is informative and then again it is informative. In the final analyses it is informative. Did I mention that the book is informative? The next time Mr. Spock says that he left a bad taste in the mouth of the alien being because of his copper based blood, you can say, "According to Sue Hubbell that is no big deal; as pill bugs have a copper based system. So there!"
Sue covers a variety of bugs that haven't got any backbone. And we all know what you think of creatures without backbone. I am not sure that she is too focused or too diverse? However she really covers them and it is so informative that you may find yourself falling to sleep.
Invertebrates, and life, made easy.......2000-11-09
Before reading this book I could never have foreseen myself wading through 232 pages on invertebrates. Sue Hubbell not only maps the journey, she makes it intoxicating and leavens her science with a generous smattering of life philosophy. Which could be tedious from a lesser person. Not from Hubbell, who presents the workings of a sharp intellect with such a light touch that her logic and opinions have a homespun tang. There is an unassailable rightness about many of her views, her argument for conservation for instance. But this isn't a platform for her ideals, it's a showcase for the kind of tiny animals few of us bother to notice unless they threaten us. From crickets to sea mice (the Aphrodite, or part of it, of the title) via spiders, woodlice, sea cucumbers, fireflies, horseshoe crabs, honeybees and many others, we're given just enough information to intrigue and inspire investigation into the generous "Further reading" list at the end of each chapter. It's difficult to make a book like this work. Go too deep, and you've scared-off the layman. Stay on the surface, and you're labelled a dilettante. For my money, Sue Hubbell compromises triumphantly. She puts her small animals centre stage and ensures you'll look on them with new and respectful eyes. But the real heroine of the book is Hubbell herself. Her love for her animals and for life itself blazes through the book and you close it thoroughly warmed through.
Scientific curiosity indulged, & presented with a fine touch.......1999-08-12
This is the third book I've enjoyed by Sue Hubbell. Her curiosity reminds me of my childhood days around my back yard creek when it seemed there was always something to be amazed at, and I took the time to be amazed. Some of the creatures she describes: well, you've always wondered about them; others: you've never heard of. In the background she is describing her sources and the characteristics of these creatures in a personal, straight forward, no axe-to-grind way. Then, she quietly slips in the best argument I've ever heard for trying not to eliminate any of our fellow creatures, regardless of how much or how little we think we understand about their value and their relationship to humans. It could be heavy - but it isn't. It could be trivial - but it isn't.
Product Description
Incredible book narrated by an accomplished actress and acclaimed narrator
Customer Reviews:
Bug Lady of Maine.......2005-09-20
At first this book is interesting and sometimes amusing. We learn of Sue Hubbell's move from Missouri to Maine. Then she digs in to the history and the how of invertebrates. Above all it is informative and then again it is informative. In the final analyses it is informative. Did I mention that the book is informative?
The next time Mr. Spock of Star Trek says that he left a bad taste in the mouth of the alien being because of Vulcan's copper based blood, you can say, "According to Sue Hubbell that is no big deal; as pill bugs have a copper based system."
Sue covers a variety of bugs that haven't got any backbone. Maybe just a tad too thorough; then again I guess it is a matter of taste.
I am not sure that she is too focused or too diverse? However she really covers invertebrates to the extent that you may find yourself falling to sleep with this steady rhythmic informative voice.
Book Description
Develop the focus, tenacity, poise, and team attitude needed to excel on the ice. Hockey Tough builds on physical skills by strengthening mental factors that apply directly to the game. Performance consultant Saul Miller presents the training techniques he has taught hockey players and teams for more than 20 years throughout North America. In addition, NHL stars such as Mark Messier, Pavel Bure, Chris Pronger, Steve Yzerman, and Markus Naslund offer inside tips on how to play with a winning mind-set.
Customer Reviews:
Hockey Tough is a Great Book!.......2006-05-06
I've played ice hockey on and off my whole life, but it seemed like my game had hit a wall. I did not feel like I was improving any longer. Instead I felt I was doomed to be an average player forever. About 6 months ago I discovered Hockey Tough and it has changed the way I look at my game. Furthermore my game has improved because my confidence has improved. Now all of my teammates want to borrow it. If you buy this book do us all a favor and keep it a secret.
Wonderful.......2005-08-03
This book is wonderful! I am a hockey mom and refer back to it all the time to help my 11 year old AAA player.
If you play or coach, this is the book for you.......2003-12-26
Wow, what a great book. I've played hockey all my life and now I coach my son's team and I only wish I had found this book sooner. It's full of info on how to be a better player and a better coach. It's very straightforward and easy to read and gets at the heart of what it takes to be a mentally strong player. The exercises deal with visualization, focus, breathing, relaxation, and setting goals. They're easy, quick, and you notice a difference right away.
If you're either a player or a coach you should definitely check this book out.
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Thin Ice
Manufacturer: Fawcett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0445045906 |
Book Description
Talk about your tough calls!
It’s the fourth game of the Eastern Conference playoffs, 1995. Alexei Kovalev of the Rangers is down, apparently unconscious. At the other end of the rink, the Nordiques star forward is rushing the net. Joe Sakic fans on the shot and Kovalev doesn’t move. Andy van Hellemond, the game’s most experienced referee, is somewhere in the middle, trying to decide what to do. Thinking that Sakic’s rush has failed and worried about the man who’s down, he blows his whistle. What he doesn’t know is that Sakic has somehow recaptured the puck and scored, and that Kovalev is about to get up and skate to the bench. But play has been stopped and the goal doesn’t count. The Rangers go on to win the game (in overtime) and then the series.
Fortunately, not all calls are that tough. And, more often than not, the officials get them right. Most have endured a hard apprenticeship on their way to the big league. They have seen just about everything, from bench-clearing brawls to fish on the ice. They’re a savvy and tightly knit group. They have to be.
They are connoisseurs of fights. Some remember when players fought with two hands, instead of grabbing the other guy with one hand while swinging the other. Some classic brawls are recalled in these pages. Gordie Howe ’s decisive battle with Lou Fontinato is described by the linesman who broke it up. Later, expansion-era brawls started by Philadelphia’s “Broad Street Bullies” are similarly recalled by officials who knew, at least, what they were in for when the puck was dropped.
Following the formula that has worked so well in his previous books, Dick Irvin lets the referees and linesmen tell their own story. It’s not all about mayhem. Kerry Fraser reveals the secret of his perfect hairdo. Don Koharski explains what happened after New Jersey coach Jim Schoenfeld called him “a fat pig.” And Paul Stewart tells what it’s like to make the transition from refereed to referee.
The stories in Tough Calls are as varied, colourful, funny, farfetched, and revealing as any collection of anecdotes ever brought together about the game of hockey, making this an indispensable addition to every fan’s library.
Customer Reviews:
Only for a True Hockey Fan.......2002-03-04
This book has changed the way I watch hockey. Shortly after reading this book, I met Paul Stewart and two other officials (not in the book).They are amazing people who need to get the same "glory" as the players. They have the tougher job.
If you are a true hockey fan and appreciate the finer parts of the game..you must read this book.
An Insightful Read.......2000-07-12
I'm an ardent hockey fan, and part and parcel of being one is yelling at the odd referee. But this book made me watch my mouth. I never realized (funny as it sounds) that refs are people, and feel as awful as the fans might after a badly called game. The anecdotes are funny, the insights enlightning. Now I think twice before critizing the ref. Who knew!
A must read for all hockey officials!.......1999-05-18
Whether you are a hockey official or a big fan of the game, you'll love this book. Very few groups are as "tight-knit" as hockey officials, and after reading this book, you'll appreciate why. The stories are incredible. Dick Irvin's interviews have caputured both the serious and not-so-serious situations throughout the years of hockey officiating. It isn't often that I find time to read, but I have read this book twice in the last couple of years. 5 Stars.
A MUST FOR REFEREES, A GREATER MUST FOR PLAYERS.......1999-04-22
Being a referee myself, I have recommended it to every other ref I know. Hearing from the guys who really go through it all you just have to appreciate your job even more. For players - you guys need to read it to see what it feels like to be a ref. You will no longer yell at us the way you do. Overall, the book is a amazing and a must for hockey lovers everywhere!!!!
I loved the behind the scenes stories and the on-ice banter!.......1999-04-13
As a hockey offical myself, I loved the stories from the officials. Learning both how it was done in the old days and some of the techniques and stories of the guys that are currently working. Every official has and gives advice or what he feels the key to working well and continuing to work well at a high level. I took carefull notes.
It gives the fans a different perspective of these guys. It sheds a different light. Not always the bad guy and it tells how officials prize the chance to work in the playoffs just as much as the players do. If not sometimes more.
I really liked it. I could relate. It is a must read for any young (at heart) aspiring hockey offical.
G.L. Winnipeg, MB.
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Nhl Enforcers: The Rough and Tough Guys of Hockey
Arpon Basu
Manufacturer: Overtime Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 History of Sports
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ASIN: 1897277105 |
Book Description
Rob Ray was known as one of the NHL's toughest players of the 1990s, earning a reputation as the Buffalo Sabres' enforcer. Known for his unique, "jersey-off" fighting style, he shares his behind-the-scenes stories from his 14 season career with the team in this great read for Sabres fans.
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The tough decision (His Red line/blue line ice hockey adventures)
Dennis St. Sauver
Manufacturer: Amecus Street
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Children's Books
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ASIN: 0912022132 |
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Tough guys of pro hockey (Pro hockey library)
Frank Orr
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: 0394828216 |
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Tough Loser
Barthe DeClements
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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ASIN: 0140370757 |
Book Description
Search for fried ferns, jellied cowskins, and dried yak cheese at Thimphu's weekend market. Be blessed with a 10-inch penis at Chimi Lhakhang, the home of the 'Divine Madman.' Dance with snowlions and banter with clowns at the pick of Bhutan's colorful festivals. Hike up to the gavity-defying Tiger's Nest monastery, reputedly held on to the sheer cliff face by the hairs of angels.
Understand murals and monsters with in-depth coverage of Bhutanese Buddhism and culture by our regional expert. Special trekking chapter brings Himalayan peaks that little bit closer... Find out more and swap yeti-spotting tips at lonelyplanet.com
Customer Reviews:
Future visitor to Bhutan.......2007-07-21
In anticipation of a trip to Bhutan in 2008 I was looking for a travel guide and opted to buy Lonely Planet's. I read it cover to cover and found to contain very good information, advice, tips, descriptions, recommendations, etc. I travel extensively worldwide and Bhutan will be a novel adventure. It brings back memories of my trip to Tibet in 2000. I highly recommend this guide.
May be, finally..........2003-12-08
Hello!
I'd been searching for a book on Bhutan which could provide me with a little bit of everything about the country viz. the history, geography, people and the culture. I have searched for books on Bhutan in several book stores around. It was so hard to find one in English but I think this one will do.
May be, finally......... I have found the book I'd been looking for.
An excellent guide for traveling to Bhutan!.......2003-09-28
I bought this guide before my first trip to Bhutan, and it helped me immensely in planning my tour. It contains detailed information about the country--history, culture, geography, and facts for travelers. And it gives accurate information about the trekking routes and cultural tours. As is typical for Lonely Planet publications, this one is interesting and well written, and I found the information to be relevant to my trip. It is not easy to travel to Bhutan (there are many government restrictions), and this book made everything easier. I had such a successful, fun trip that I've been back several times (www.jachungtravel.com), and I still refer to this edition of the guide. It's packed with good information, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to go to Bhutan.
In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom adorned with sandalwood.......2002-08-13
Lonely Planet is unbelieveable! They continually pump out the HIGHEST quality guidebooks, and they've done it again with this edition covering Bhutan. I have spent a good portion of my life researching, and hording information on Bhutan, and have found Lonely Planet's guidebook to contain everything and more that the traveller could ever want...with two exceptions. I think that the lack of the U'cen script in the language chapter is a serious mistake. Lonely Planet has the capacity to print in the U'cen script as they did so in their Tibet edition. My other qualm is with the sparse coverage of the smaller and admittedly FAR less visited dzongkhags (districts) (i.e., Daga, Samdrup Jongkhar, Pema Gatshel, Zhemgang, Tsirang, etc.). Lonely Planet, resolve these issues and your book will be the best it could be.
A cut above the rest.......2001-08-22
If you're thinking of going to Bhutan, be advised there's not a whole lot out there to read in preparation, and of what there is, this guide is one of the best. Tourist travel in Bhutan is strictly controlled, and your itinerary is usually planned in advance, so lots of info on hotels, etc. isn't all that necessary. This guide focuses on history, culture and the life of the people--food, housing, dress. Along with the Passport/Odyssey guide by Pommerat, it's all you need. Have fun!
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Lonely Planet Bhutan (Lonely Planet Survival Guide)
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Bhutan
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ASIN: 9991359923 |
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Lonely Planet: Bhutan
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications - Italian editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 8870636208 |
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CHIGGER and Other Short Stories
William Franklin Beckett
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 059534657X |
Book Description
If short stories appeal to a specific audience, whom does the novelette appeal to?
CHIGGER and other Short Stories provides a wide range of subject material that is sure to capture the imagination.
Three African American short stories and one Jewish short story. How much more diversity do you need? Read! Enjoy!
Books:
- Where No Gods Came (Sweetwater Fiction: Originals)
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year-Portfolio 10 (Photography)
- 3000 Degrees: The True Story of a Deadly Fire and the Men Who Fought It
- A Primer of Population Genetics
- A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf
- Agatha Christie: Six Mary Westmacott Novels (Giants' Bread / Absent in the Spring / Unfinished Portrait / The Rose and the Yew Tree / A Daughter's a Daughter / The Burden)
- An Introduction To Hydrogen Bonding (Topics in Physical Chemistry)
- At the Forest's Edge: Memoir of a Physician-Naturalist
- Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance (revised edition)
- Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas
Books Index
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