Popular natural history writer Richard Conniff received much acclaim for his earlier book, Spineless Wonders: Strange Tales from the Invertebrate World (RB# 95474). In the same vein, Every Creeping Thing is a fascinating look at some of nature's most misunderstood creatures. Traveling the world over, Conniff shatters popular myths and shares extraordinary truths about unfairly maligned animals. For instance, little brown bats help curb mosquito numbers by eating one every six seconds. Despite a reputation as maneaters, sharks ignore all but two or so of the 20 million people who use Hawaiian beaches each year. And about once per week, the three-toed sloth-vicarious host to thousands of bugs-descends 100 feet from its perch to fastidiously relieve itself.
With his astute observations and sharp wit, Conniff astounds you one moment, only to have you laughing aloud the next. Richard M. Davidson's lively narration captures all the wonder of this entertaining and informative book, allowing you to develop a new appreciation for these animals.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
THIRTEEN EXTRAORDINARY ESSAYS SHED NEW LIGHT ON THE MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE-AND ON ONE OF THE MOST BRILLIANT THINKERS OF OUR TIME.
In his phenomenal bestseller A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking literally transformed the way we think about physics, the universe, reality itself. In these thirteen essays and one remarkable extended interview, the man widely regarded as the most brilliant theoretical physicist since Einstein returns to reveal an amazing array of possibilities for understanding our universe.
Building on his earlier work, Hawking discusses imaginary time, how black holes can give birth to baby universes, and scientists' efforts to find a complete unified theory that would predict everything in the universe. With his characteristic mastery of language, his sense of humor and commitment to plain speaking, Stephen Hawking invites us to know him better-and to share his passion for the voyage of intellect and imagination that has opened new ways to understanding the very nature of the cosmos.
Sitting in her Kenyan homestay as an exchange student, Christina Fleming set the intention to share the Kenyan peoples' stories in their own voice. You will hear from several Kenyan leaders as well as a Nairobi family sitting in their living room.
This is a story with all the ingredients of a modern legend, representing nothing less than the proverbial American Dream-writ extra-large. It is a story of hard work, brilliance, and extraordinary commitment, featuring the story's original cast members, who could not possibly have foreseen the unprecedented success that awaited them: the forging of a technology empire that would change the world forever.
What began as a modest start-up partnership only twenty-five years ago has already surpassed all the giants of contemporary capitalism. How did Microsoft achieve all of this in so short a time? Cheryl Tsang steps inside the famous culture of loyalty, the storied "maniacal work ethic," and the hardcore world of reckless risk-taking to reveal, once and for all, exactly what makes Microsoft tick.
In the tradition of insightful investigations like Lewis Thomas' Late Night Thoughts on Listening to Mahler's Ninth Symphony and Sue Hubbell's A Country Year, widely respected nature writer Jan DeBlieu offers a compelling look at a natural force that touches our lives every day. With a scientist's eye for detail and a poet's ear for language, DeBlieu examines one of nature's most elemental forces. From a light breeze cooling a hot brow to a gale that blows apart buildings, no other natural phenomenon affects people as directly as wind. DeBlieu explores how wind has aided the rise and fall of empires, the discovery of continents, and the establishment of religions. Wind provides surprising, delightful insights into a force that constantly reshapes who we are and how we live. Suzanne Toren's narration lends a voice of quiet, thoughtful authority to a subject you'll never view the same again.
After 25 years on a farm in the Ozarks, award-winning writer and naturalist Sue Hubbell moved to a small town on the coast of Maine. There, in the pools, tides, and thickets, she found a vast array of creatures that aroused her considerable curiosity. Join Hubbell on a unique tour of the world of invertebrates. From humpbacked camel crickets to glow worms, from horseshoe crabs to elegantly-furred sea mice, Hubbell offers vivid descriptions and fascinating details about these superb examples of survival. She also introduces some experts in the field-scientists who share their enthusiasm and knowledge. Waiting for Aphrodite grew from hours of field observation and reflects the days Hubbell spent at the Library of Congress augmenting her information. Entertaining for layman and scientist alike, it is both warmly personal and carefully researched. Barbara Caruso's rich voice is perfect for this eloquent, engaging book.
By the nationally best-selling author of The Seven Daughters of Eve, Adam's Curse investigates the ultimate evolutionary crisis: a man-free future. How is it possible that the Y chromosome, which separated the sexes and allowed humans to rise to the apex of the animal kingdom, also threatens to destroy sexual reproduction altogether? Bryan Sykes confronts recent advances in evolutionary theory to find the answers to the questions that inexorably follow: Is there a genetic cause for men's greed, aggression, and promiscuity? Could a male homosexual gene possibly exist? A must read for anyone interested in popular science, family genealogy, and today's infertility crisis, Adam's Curse provokes a shocking debate on the nature of sexual reproduction
John McPhee's Pulitzer Prize-winning Annals of the Former World takes readers on mind-expanding adventures in geology. In the first book, Basin and Range (RB# 95995), McPhee traveled to Nevada with a proponent of plate techtonics. Now, an engaging sceptic working for the United States Geological Survey is his guide to some of eastern America's most fascinating geologic formations. Respected geologist Anita Harris doesn't completely accept the reigning gospel of plate tectonics. Rather than limiting herself to one theory, the Brooklyn native insists on letting the rocks tell their own stories. Pickaxe and hydrochloric acid in hand, Harris guides McPhee to terrain that speaks of sudden, cataclysmic events and the spectacular, relatively recent, movement of glaciers. Author John McPhee is celebrated for his elegant style and skill in making specialized material accessible. When the narrative talents of Nelson Runger are added, you will discover that the intricacies of geology become not only understandable, but most entertaining.
July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800 mysteriously fell from the sky, claiming the lives of all 230 people aboard. Associated Press reporter Pat Milton offers a rare inside look at the investigation of the unexplained explosion and the experts who struggled to find the truth behind one of America's most disturbing aviation disasters. Early in the evening, fishermen off the coast of Long Island, New York watched in astonishment as a commercial plane burst into flames, then plummeted into the ocean. While the country reacted with shock and sorrow, the FBI set in motion an exhaustive search for answers that would last two years. In the Blink of an Eye takes you through the sequence of events surrounding the tragedy and reveals those most affected by it: rescue workers, investigators, and the victims and their families. Pat Milton, who covered the chilling disaster from day one, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her work. Richard Poe's thoughtful performance brings you as close to the real cause of the crash as possible.
Julia 'Butterfly' Hill's remarkable and triumphant 738 day tree-sit atop the 1,000 year old, 200 foot tall redwood tree she named 'Luna', ended December 18, 1999, when she negotiated a deal to save the ancient tree with Pacific Lumber, a division of the Maxxam Corporation, who owns the land on which 'Luna' stands. Hill's exuberant and life-affirming spirit along with her fierce dedication to 'Luna' and the eco-system are empowering and energizing, reminding us all what life and love are all about.
Meet a man who has helped set up hospitals, famine relief programs, schools and communities for orphaned and blind children on five continents: Thom Hartmann. He describes scenes that may bring tears to your eyes, but will awaken your heart to matters that cry out for our attention.
Man’s struggle against the sea is a theme that has created some of the world’s most exciting stories. Now, in the tradition of Moby Dick comes a New York Times best-seller destined to become a modern classic. Written by journalist Sebastian Junger, The Perfect Storm combines an intimate portrait of a small fishing crew with fascinating scientific data about boats and weather systems. In late October, North Atlantic seas are unpredictable. Still, one last good swordfish catch is a chance to start the winter with a fat wallet. As Captain Billy Tyne steers his 72-foot longboat Andrea Gail toward the Grand Banks, growing weather fronts are moving toward the same waters. The Andrea Gail is sailing into the storm of the century, one with 100 mile per hour winds and waves cresting over 110 feet. As each man on the boat faces this ultimate foe, Sebastian Junger gives the account an immediacy that fills The Perfect Storm with suspense and authenticity. Narrator Richard M. Davidson’s reading adds further drama to this unforgettable sea adventure. An interview with the author concludes the audiobook.
