#humans are africanized honeybees
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Humans are not space orcs
They are feral and terrifying to other species and they shouldn't even be in space wtf-
But can also procreate with practically any other sapient species, which is baffling and horrifying because for some, gets another human, some it's another of that species, but for others there's now hybrids between two very dangerous deathworld species runnin about
Humans should not be out in so far in space but some poaching idiots brought some and now there's not getting rid of them
It's like someone's pet rabbits got out and bred with the wild rabbits only way more dangerous and with pack instincts and the intelligence to use weapons to keep you from putting them back in their hutch
Humans are not space orcs.
Humans are the space equivalent of africanized honeybees
#Humans are space fae#humans are space orcs#but not really#humans are africanized honeybees#they've bred and now there's even more dangerous things out there#blame the poachers for abducting them#no i didn't come up with this for a hermitcraft au what are you talking about hahaah#space#aliens#human alien hybrids#fun
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getting back into beekeeping and seeing some…interesting…arguments floating around. not my concern whether someone does or doesn’t think beekeeping is inherently “ethical” but I do think it’s worth addressing and dialoguing about what beekeeping is and methods used so
1) “beekeepers clip the wings of the queen”
This one is new to me, though the sources given by the person making these arguments are a lot less “anti-beekeeping” as much as they’re just interested in bee welfare. Nothing wrong with that. I’ve personally never clipped my queens’ wings nor do I know anyone else who has, and it seems to me that ending that practice in commercial and small beekeeping is a good idea.
2) “they destroy queen cells”
Yeah that does happen. This action in itself isn’t really a huge moral crisis, though, it’s the bee equivalent to an abortion. Probably a lot less painful than what naturally happens when a new queen hatches, which is that the newly hatched virgin queen will go around stinging unhatched queens and destroying their cells. Gruesome! But not something to get worked up over.
3) “they cull queens they don’t like”
This makes it sound like beekeepers are just going around picking petty fights with queens and killing them over it. The source given provides some context, which is that this is done when a queen is influencing her hive to be very aggressive. It’s the equivalent of hiring a new manager to replace an old, bad one, though obviously yes, the old queen is killed. The hive isn’t hurt by this, they accept any new queen within days. This also happens when a queen is old, runs out of stored semen, and loses her ability to lay worker bees. When this happens, the hive can become unable to live as a unit, which is why queens are replaced to help the hive continue to thrive.
4) “they use pheromones to prevent swarms”
The wiki source given doesn’t even support this argument. That’s just not a thing that happens. What does sometimes happen is that bee swarms can be captured using lemongrass oil, which mimics swarming pheromones. Equivalent of using food to catch a stray cat.
5) “they prevent intermixing with African bees”
The use of the word “intermixing” here is wild and from my perspective makes it seem like it’s a race issue which is…odd. Regardless, there’s nothing wrong with selective breeding of bees for desired traits. Africanized bees are much more difficult to manage compared to their European counterparts. Some beekeepers are equipped to handle them and don’t mind them. Others would prefer to keep bees with higher honey yields and less aggression.
6) “during artificial insemination, drones are crushed”
Yes and during natural insemination their endophallus can get ripped off after ejaculation, and they’ll bleed out and die. Or if they’re lucky enough to survive, they’ll get kicked out of the hive and die anyway.
7) “and extra queens are killed”
Refer to point #2 about what naturally happens to excess queens.
8) “beekeepers cull their hives before winter”
Yes, and the source given explains why. Bees with parasites will not survive winter, and combining them with other hives (as is the most common wintering practice) will only cause those hives to die, too. Additionally, not culling infected hives can result in the spread of parasites.
9) “honeybees are invasive and can spread parasites”
Yeah this one I actually agree with. But once again, the sources given are either not as conclusive as presented, or are more arguments against the commercial beekeeping industry and against beekeeping on public lands. Mass beekeeping can have deleterious effects on native bee populations, but not enough data exists to determine whether small beekeepers have such effects. Regardless, this seems to be more an argument in favor of preventing absconding/swarming, no?
Beekeeping is a millennia-old practice. Bees have evolved to produce way more than they can consume, and human beekeeping practices have evolved alongside them. Are there bee welfare issues to be addressed in common practices? Certainly. Is beekeeping an inherently immoral endeavor? Hardly. Good beekeepers maintain relationships with their bees. It’s a very personal and thoughtful activity and provides a healthier alternative to cane sugar. So rather than paint with broad strokes, it’s perhaps more productive to open dialogues to improve practices and promote bee welfare.
#beekeeping#I’m always down to be corrected or debunked#but if you come in to my mentions or inbox with hostility or rudeness you’re catching a block lol
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Chapter Contents
(Arranged Marriage Pic) Read on AO3
Rated M
Hannah waited for the little honeybee to lap up the rose pollen on her finger, its velvety yellow body tickling her skin as it licked and buzzed. After a minute or so, the task was finished, and bidding a fond farewell, the little honeybell turned herself around, flicked her small antennae at the generous human in thanks, and flew off.
“You’re welcome,” Hannah chimed as the insect departed, possibly returning to her hive with the saddlebags of fresh pollen clinging to her legs.
Honeybees were such amazing creatures; Never stopping, never tiring, hurrying from one pollen-filled bloom to the next. Unafraid of new opportunities. Hornets and wasps, however, were mean spirited and highly aggressive, as were German dark bees and the African “killer” bees. Common bumblebees were often mistaken for their honeybee cousins, but were not the same in both size and mannerism and could not produce honey. Other honey-less, distant relatives included ants, sawflies, and the noblest of all hymenoptera, the praying mantis, but none worked harder, nor carried as much environmental importance as the honeybee, which was why Hannah loved them so. The same golden insect emblazoned all over St. Peter's Baldachin and who’s wax was used in making Paschal candles were a gardener’s best friend. It was said that a single bee colony could pollinate close to 300 million flowers in a day, meaning if there were no honeybees - or bees in general - there’d be no flowers. If there were no flowers, there would be no flower gardeners. If there were no gardeners the world would be a much darker and less beautiful place. Crops would fail, as would roughly ¾ of all flowering plants without some sort of human intervention. Not good.
For this reason, Hannah's affection for the honeybee was insatiable. They could do no wrong in her eyes and not once had she been stung. Mother Nature’s little helpers.
Having done her good deed for the day, Hannah wiped her hands over her dirty overalls, put her gloves back on, and picked up her gardening shears and disinfectant wipes. The roses weren’t going to trim themselves.
Last week was spent tirelessly transplanting the roses from Jujutsu High to the Gojo estate. These were the same roses she had planted her first week; the night she was attacked from returning to her dorm after dark. Hannah had woken before sunrise carting the wheelbarrow and a shovel. Finally August, the rose shrubs were now rose bushes and had prospered beautifully in their foreign environment, taking on a deep reddish-purple hue reminiscent of merlot. To minimize any damage she might incur, Hannah surgically dug a moat around the thorny rose shrubs with the shovel, avoiding the delicate root hairs, and used her gloved hands to (again very carefully) unearth each prickly rose bush from the soil. Technically, it was not advisable to transplant roses in the middle of summer when the flowers were beginning to bloom and the sun was at its hottest. They were also covered with leaves and very heavy (for her). Hannah worried the whole procedure would stress the plants, causing them to go into “transplant shock,” but these were no ordinary roses. They would endure, and once all six roses had been successfully uprooted, she enlisted the help of Mr. Aoyama to wheel them up (yes, all the way up) the hill to the house.
They had placed the bushes in their own individual pot. Hannah’s homemade compost wasn’t ready. So she bought a light soilless mixture made of peat moss and perlite instead. Excellent for retaining moisture, yet allow for water to drain properly from the drilled holes at the bottom of the containers. In the end, the hardy roses not only survived the shocking ordeal, but thrived, their ruffled petals blooming like plumage, untraumatized by the event. They weren’t going anywhere. If the attracted honeybees were any indicator.
Hannah ran a disinfectant wipe over the blades and went back to trimming, cutting at a clean forty-five degree angle right above where the stem met another leaf. The clipped rose was then transferred to a water bucket with the others. So far, she had enough roses to make a bouquet for the English dining room. They hardly ever ate in there, but the wine-colored flowers would pair lovely with the oak furnishings.
She began humming a tune. A shadow eclipsed her as she clipped another rose off its stem. She felt a weight land on her braided crown, something like lips and a nose.
“Why’re you doing that?”
Hannah didn’t have to look up to know who it was, not that his voice didn’t give him away. Lately, Satoru liked perching his head on top of hers as a way of grabbing her attention.
“To clean the shears,” she answered, showing him the shears and wipes, his head staying nestled where it was. “Roses are prone to infection, so it’s best to sanitize the blades after each use.” She held up the freshly cut rose for him to take. “Here, smell one.”
Satoru took the multi-layered rose, aware of the thorns, and drew it to his nose. His brows shot straight up. “Woah.” The smell was so sweet and fruity he could literally taste it on his tongue, forcing him to comically choke down a cough.
Hannah tried suppressing a giggle. “Intense, isn’t it?”
The Six Eyes wielder nodded, blinking a few times. “Boy, you’re not kidding.” He cleared his throat and held the fragrant bloom to his nose once more, taking a more moderate whiff. The deep burgundy petals felt velvety soft on his skin. “Smells almost like candy.”
Hannah's smile widened. “These roses were a gift to me from Sister Edith before I came here.”
“Sister Edith,” Satoru mused in thought, rose still pressed to his nose. “You’ve mentioned that name before. Who was she again?”
“She was my Japanese instructor during my stay with the Sisters of St. Horatia. Every word I’m speaking to you is because of her.”
“Ah, now I remember. Sounds like she was quite the lady.”
“Of course. The best.”
“You must miss her then.”
Hannah’s smile slipped a crack. “Very much so,” she spoke somberly, running her hands over the rose petals in her lap. “Edith was fluent in almost every language you could think of, from Greek to Juǀʼhoan. I’ll probably never see her again, circumstances being what they are.”
Satoru’s brows furrowed. “How come?”
Hannah snipped off another rose. “The Sisters of St. Horatia is a cloistered order. They’re not permitted to leave the convent.”
“Wait, for real? Like ever?”
She turned to nod solemnly. “Like ever.”
“That’s a little extreme, don’t you think?”
“It’s the life they chose, Satoru.” Hannah rested the rose on her lap. “The Sisters of St. Horatia are unique in that they’re archivists. They specialize in preserving and interpreting ancient texts. Magical texts. It’s believed their library holds some of the West’s oldest sorcerery. Mother Superior oversees the whole operation.”
“Mother Superior?”
“The abbess,” Hannah said. “In convents, the head nun in charge is called ‘Mother Superior.’ I don’t know what her actual name is. She’s tied closely to the Association and was tasked with facilitating where I went as a child, including my education.”
Satoru’s face perked up. “Oh right, that's what I wanted to talk to you about.”
She stared blankly at him. “You want me to join a convent?”
“Wha — No.” He seemed partially offended. “Why would I want you to join a — ”
“Relax, silly. I’m teasing,” Hannah said, perhaps a little too happy he took the bait. “Married women aren’t allowed to join convents. As soon as they saw our marital records, I’d be swiftly booted out.”
“Oh.” Her husband’s shoulders drooped. “Well, I wanted to get your thoughts on something. See if you might be interested.”
“Sure, but can you give me a moment to finish with these? I’m almost done.”
Satoru eyed the bouquet of roses she was assembling. “Anything I can do to help?”
Hannah stopped her pruning and thought for a moment. “Actually, now that you’ve mentioned it….” She leaned over and patted the large rose pot in front of her. “I’d like to move this one up to the house, but it’s too heavy. Think you could lend a girl a hand, Mr. Muscles?”
Satoru issued her a mock salut. “Ma’am, yes ma’am,” and rolled his shoulders, biceps and triceps rippling under his shirt. “Watch and be amazed, kiddos. Mr. Muscles is gonna show you how it’s done.”
Topped with heavy soil and plant, the large clay pot weighed well over a hundred pounds. It would’ve easily taken two average-sized people to lift, but Satoru managed the feat on his own no problem, a testament to how strong he physically was. Hannah had seen him bench press twice his usual body weight with workout equipment. Yet she stayed close behind as he hobbled to the house, awkwardly carrying the pot, for fear he’d throw out his back. She didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath until he stationed the container near the stairs leading up to the porch. Hannah nodded. This new spot would do nicely.
“Woo, that was good,” Satoru said, wiping the sweat off his brow and looked up at the sky. “Sun is brutal today.”
Hannah agreed. It had grown considerably hot since lunch. Deciding to take a break from the summer sun, the couple collected the clipped roses and walked back inside the house to the reception hall. There on the center table was a glass pitcher filled with ice water, two cups, two damp towels for each to cool off with, and a vase to put the roses in. Makoto sure was sneaky.
“So,” Hannah said, after finishing her first glass of ice water. “What is it you wanted to talk about?”
Satoru ran one of the cool towels over his neck and chin. “Tsumiki and Megumi’s school evaluations came in.”
Hannah poured herself another glass. “And the verdict?”
He put the towel down and smirked. “Take a look for yourself.” She observed him reach inside his back pocket and pull out two opened envelopes. Curious, Hannah walked over and took them from him, re-opening each and laying the contents on the table for a better look.
Japanese primary school evals (from first to sixth grade) were assessed by a three-tiered rank system (1,2,3), with 1 indicating the student “needs effort,” and 3 indicating the student’s grasp on the subject was “satisfactory” or higher. Hannah eyed the two report cards, noting how Tsumiki scored nothing below a 2 (“almost satisfactory”) with Music, Social Studies, and Japanese being her best subjects. Megumi also received high marks. The lowest he scored was a 2 in Music and English, with Mathematics, Science, Sports (and surprisingly enough, Art) all scoring a 3.
Below the subject lines were the behavior evaluations where teachers listed the students' cooperation in class, both towards staff and the other children. Hannah skimmed those parts, but caught the underlined text “gets into fights” on Megumi’s page. Perhaps she would ask about it later, though overall she was pleased by the outcome.
“See, I told Megumi he had nothing to worry about,” she laughed. “He did well, and from the looks of it, so did Tsumiki.”
“Tsumiki’s scores are always good,” Satoru said. “But Megumi? His English scores? I’ve never seen them stay above a 1. It’s the only subject he struggles with on top of socializing. These are his marks now.” He revealed to her two other evaluation cards, placing them next to the newer one on the table. “And these were his marks from December and March.”
Hannah examined the older evaluations. His grades looked relatively the same, except for English, which showed a glaring 1 printed in the center box on each. His new score was 2. Megumi had improved his grade by a full number in the course of a single semester.
“Any chance you had something to do with it?” Satoru added slyly.
Hannah looked up. “I didn’t do much,” she said, shaking her head. “He understood the basics. All he needed was someone to explain them better.”
Butterflies swarmed her stomach as his lips came together, grinning so wide it seemed almost maniacal. “Good, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear.” Hannah blinked at him confused for a moment, but then he explained his reasoning. “I had a meeting with the school board this morning. Jujutsu High, that is.”
“Yes, I remember you telling me. How’d it go?”
He gave her a wink. “The wait is officially over. You, my dear Hannah, are looking at Jujutsu High’s new hire.”
Hannah’s eyes widened. “Really? They gave you the teaching job?” Satoru nodded and a beaming smile soon appeared on her face. “Oh Satoru, congratulations. That’s wonderful news. I’m happy for you.”
Her husband bashfully scratched his head. “Thanks. My first day won’t be till next year, so there’s still time, but that’s not all.” He lifted a finger, tapping her lightly on the nose. “The department will also be in search of a new English teacher soon.”
Her smile faltered. “An English teacher?”
“Yeah.” Satoru walked over and situated himself down on one of the cushions, leaning his elbow on the table. “Seems the current one is looking to throw in the towel. To be honest, I don’t know much about him - cause yours truly tested out of English freshman year - but apparently he’s been teaching English since the late Cretaceous or whatever, and during the meeting he asked if we knew anybody interested in filling the role,” he pointed at her, “and I said you.”
“M-Me?” Hannah squeaked.
He nodded. “Yeah, you.”
A couple seconds ticked by, the news of this proposal slowly sinking in.
“You’re joking.”
“No, I’m not joking.”
“You think I could teach English at Jujutsu High?
“If you wanted to,” he caveated.
“And the school board wouldn’t mind? Spouses working together, I mean.”
“I don’t see the harm.” Satoru shrugged. “It’s not like English and Jujutsu orbit in the same circles.”
“Why would you mention my name, Satoru? I don’t have a uni degree or a teaching certificate.”
“Neither do I,” her quickly husband rebutted. “I never went to university. The only certification I have is a high school diploma.”
“But that’s still more than I have. And my Japanese citizenship hasn’t been finalized. Won’t that hinder things?”
Satoru waved his hand. “Naw, we’ll find our way around that crap. We do it all the time.”
“Then what of the estate? If we’re both busy teaching, who’s going to run it? Makoto can’t juggle the work all by herself.”
“The estate is busy now because I’ve been putting off renovations for years. Once those are completed things’ll start to die down.”
“I have no credentials, Satoru,” Hannah pleaded, hammering the message home. “No references. No formal education. I don’t even know the first thing about preparing lectures or grading papers, and this would be high school level English, not sixth grade. My public speaking skills are rubbish. I’ll make a complete fool of myself in front of everyone.”
“No, you won’t,” Satoru assured, taking her hands. “I’ll be here to help. Plus, you’ll have a year to prepare, and Jujutsu High’s enrollment has been on the decline for decades. The classes shouldn’t exceed more than a handful of students at most.”
“But what if someone else needs the job?” Hannah kept lamenting. “Someone with experience who’s better qualified. I’d be selfishly taking the opportunity away from them.”
“Then that’s their loss,” Satoru tisked, rolling his eyes. “Don't get me wrong, Princess, I admire your compassion - love it even - but we gotta strike while the iron is hot here. Nobody is gonna shame you for being ambitious every once in a while. The reason I’m asking is because I think you’d be right for the job. Give you something to do besides loafing around the house all day making flower arrangements,” he tucked a strand of loose auburn hair behind her ear, his new favorite habit, and tilted her chin up to look at him as his voice grew soft. “Can’t have those good brains go to waste now, hmm?”
Hannah looked away, a flush forming on her cheeks. “Flower arranging isn’t ‘loafing around,’” she pouted, crossing her arms. “I've been outside since dawn.”
She felt Satoru bridge the gap between them, wrapping her in his embrace.
“Look,” he sighed defeatistly in her hair. “Forget I said anything. It’s obvious you're not interested.”
Rather than push him away, Hannah leaned more into him, resting her head comfortably on his chest. She felt so safe there, entranced by the steady rhythm of his heart. “I never said I wasn’t interested,” she mumbled into his cotton tee. “I’m simply questioning how it would work.”
“Oh, it would work,” he chuckled deeply, chest rumbling under her cheek. “I’d make it work.”
“You shouldn’t use your position to land me a job, Satoru. It’ll be seen as corrupt.”
“Hey, there’s gotta be some perks to being me,” he joked. “Not like I’d have to say much. You’re from England, the frickin’ motherland of English. What other credentials would they need?”
“A lot.”
He laughed and undid her braid, combing his fingers through her long shiny hair. She didn’t tell him no because it felt nice. “Just tell me you’ll think about it, okay?” he said. “Pretty please with a cherry on top?”
“But what about — “
“Nope, no more buts.”
“But I — “
“Access denied.”
“Satoru.”
“Satoru is unable to take your call at this time. Please leave a message and he will get back with you after this obnoxiously long beep. Beeeeeeeeeee…. ”
Hannah slumped and let out the smallest exhale, thus giving up the fight. “Fine, I’ll think about it.”
He paused mid-beep.
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Yay!” He hugged her closer, lifting her off the ground and swaying back and forth. “Knew you wouldn’t let me down, Princess. I knew it, knew it, knew it.”
Hannah couldn’t help but smile. Cheek smothered against him, he placed her back on the ground, allowing her to tilt her head up.
The Six Eyes were like twin spheres of blue abalone, shining down at her. She could see every shade and tint; turquoise, chalcedony, larimar, the sky and sea. How she adored looking at his eyes. They were none of this world. Magnetized, she found herself standing on her tippy toes, lips soft and pliant, wanting to be nearer. Words needn’t be exchanged. Satoru got the message and lowered his hands to her hips. Gravity became weightless as he propelled her upwards again, bringing their mouths together, her body melting into his sweet kiss.
It was good they had these moments to fall back on because the next few days would not be as kind. This was but the calm before the storm.
Rougher waters lay ahead.
Chapter Contents
#jujutsu kaisen#jjk#Satoru x fem oc#satoru gojo#satoru gojo x oc#Satoru Gojo x female oc#arranged marriage#fanfiction#jjk fanfic#gojo satoru#jujutsu gojo#romance
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I read the confidence post, and op I just wanted to come here and personally say thank you for the banana fact. I think it is very neat and necessary. I'm not going on anon so if you want you can tell more bee facts. have a wonderful day and thank you(also ignore my name fusbdhsndhsjdh-)
Hello! Sorry it took me SO long to answer this, I kept forgetting about it. Thank you! And I do indeed have more bee facts. These are mostly off the top of my head so take them with a grain of salt. Also, all of these apply to honeybees, not necessarily other types of bees. Also, I haven't had a beehive in several years, so some of these may be outdated.
This is a two-in-one fact. Male bees do not have a father but they do have a grandfather. The way this works is that male bees are from unfertilized eggs, so the queens father is their grandfather but they have no father. The worker/female bees come from fertilized eggs.
On the subject of male bees, also called drone bees, they are pretty useless to the hive so they get kicked out by the worker bees at the end of summer because the hive doesn't have the resources to feed bees that aren't contributing over the winter. Drone bees' purpose is to mate with new queens from other hives, so while they are useful to bees as a species, they don't do anything to support the hive they're born in.
You might already know this one, but drone bees only purpose in life is to mate with a new queen, and after he does this, he dies. His reproductive organs get ripped out and remain attached to the new queen. This is how she can have fertilized and unfertilized eggs, because they don't all get fertilized at once.
In the winter, bees keep the hive warm by huddling in a ball and "unhingeing" their wings from their wing muscles and vibrating their wing muscles to generate heat. They do this all winter.
Honeybees are not native to North America, they were imported from Europe. There are several subspecies of honeybees from different parts of Europe and they all have different temperaments. It's very interesting.
Africanized honey bees, which you may have heard of under the name 'killer bees,' are generally not as scary as the name implies (unless you're allergic to bees). They were bred by Brazilian reaserchers in the '50s by breeding aggressive African bees with more peaceful European honey bees in order to create a honeybee that could thrive in Africa. Several of these hybrid queens escaped captivity and bred with wild honeybee populations. The resulting bees are more protective of their hives, attack more easily, will travel long distances to pursue threats, and stay annoyed for far longer than 'regular' honeybees. These bees can be very productive when managed properly and have been beneficial to Brazil's beekeeping industry, but they can be lethal to animals and in rare cases, humans. They have moved from Brazil all he way up to the southern United States. (Source for this fact is the boom Keeping Bees with Ashley English, by Ashley English, page 31)
When bees swarm, they aren't angry. They're actually in one of their most peaceful states, and are looking for a new home.
Bees have five eyes: two large compound eyes to see with, and three smaller, more simple eyes on the top of their heads that detect light.
When it's hot outside, you might see bees that live in hive boxes doing something called bearding. The bees literally hang off the edge of the hive entrance in a clump that looks like a beard. I would encourage you to look it up, it's funny.
There are several ways to acquire bees if you want to start your own hive. One way if doing it is to order them through the mail. A package of 3lbs of bees would contain a little over 12,000 bees. (I also checked this fact in the same book.) You literally place an order online and then the bees get shipped to your local post office in a box made of wood and screens, with the queen in a separate queen cage, and with a tin of food. If your queen dies, you can order just a queen through the mail as well. I have done both.
My last fact I did look up to make sure it was true, so if you're interested you can read the Wikipedia article. Apparently there's an ancient Chinese medicinal practice called Mellified Man which involves mummifying a person in honey and eventually the body will dissolve, and the honey can be eaten to cure ailments. I don't know if this was a real thing or if it's made up, but there is a Wikipedia page about it.
I hope you don't mind that I answer this publicly so other people can also read random bee facts. Thank you for your ask, I love info-dumping about bees.
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The Wondrous World of Birds and Animals: A Dive into Nature's Marvels
In the vast tapestry of our natural world, few aspects captivate the human imagination quite like birds and animals. From the breathtaking flights of eagles to the graceful strides of lions, our planet's fauna embodies diversity, resilience, and beauty. Each species, with its unique characteristics and behaviors, contributes to the intricate balance of ecosystems, enriching our lives in ways both tangible and intangible. Let us embark on a journey through the enchanting realm of birds animals , exploring their significance, marveling at their adaptations, and recognizing our shared responsibility in their conservation.
The Avian Symphony: Birds in Flight
Birds, with their ethereal melodies and awe-inspiring flights, have long held a special place in human culture and imagination. From the resplendent plumage of tropical parrots to the haunting calls of nocturnal owls, avian diversity is a testament to the wonders of evolution. Birds serve as indicators of environmental health, their migrations tracing invisible pathways of interconnected habitats across continents.
Consider the Arctic tern, a true marvel of endurance, which embarks on an annual migration spanning from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again, covering a staggering distance of over 70,000 kilometers (43,500 miles). This remarkable feat underscores the adaptability and tenacity of avian life, reminding us of the intricate web of life that binds us all.
The Majesty of Terrestrial Beasts: Animals on Land
On the terrestrial front, the animal kingdom boasts an equally impressive array of inhabitants, each finely tuned to its respective niche. From the stealthy prowling of tigers in the dense jungles of Asia to the communal herds of wildebeests thundering across the African savannah, terrestrial animals embody strength, agility, and social complexity.
Consider the humble honeybee, whose intricate dances and cooperative efforts ensure the pollination of countless plant species, thus sustaining entire ecosystems. Similarly, the intricate societies of ants, with their division of labor and collective intelligence, serve as models of resilience and cooperation in the face of adversity.
Challenges and Conservation: Preserving Nature's Legacy
Yet, amidst the splendor of nature, birds and animals face unprecedented challenges in the modern era. Habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and pollution threaten countless species with extinction, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts on a global scale.
Fortunately, there is hope. Conservation initiatives, supported by scientific research, community engagement, and policy reform, offer a lifeline to endangered species and fragile ecosystems. From the establishment of protected areas and wildlife corridors to the implementation of sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry, concerted action can mitigate the impacts of human activities and safeguard the rich tapestry of life for future generations.
Conclusion: Embracing our Shared Heritage
In the grand tapestry of existence, birds and animals occupy a sacred place, serving as stewards of ecosystems and custodians of biodiversity. Their existence enriches our lives, evoking wonder, inspiration, and humility in equal measure. As stewards of this fragile planet, it is incumbent upon us to nurture and protect the magnificent diversity of life that surrounds us, recognizing that our fate is intertwined with that of every feathered and furry inhabitant of our wondrous world. Through collective action and reverence for nature's marvels, we can ensure a brighter future for all beings that call this planet home.
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The Buzz on the Top 5 Most Dangerous Stinging Insects
Summer is here, and with it comes the thriving of stinging insects – whether you're hiking, camping, having a barbecue, or just enjoying a walk in the park, you might come across them. While all stinging insects can hurt you, some are more dangerous than others, and it's important to know what to look out for to avoid stings, allergic reactions, and other health problems. In this guide, St. George Pest Control is going to list the top 5 most dangerous stinging insects you should be aware of this season. Read on to learn more.
Africanized Honey Bees: Commonly known as "killer bees," these aggressive insects are a hybrid of African and European honeybees. They are highly territorial and will swarm in defense of their hive or queen, pursuing their target for hundreds of meters. Their stings are venomous and can cause allergic reactions, pain, swelling, fever, nausea, and even death in extreme cases. In fact, they are responsible for more human fatalities than any other stinging insect in the world. If you encounter a hive or swarm of Africanized honey bees, do not disturb them and call St. George Pest Control immediately for professional removal.
Yellow Jacket Wasps: These small but nasty insects are part of the wasp family and are known for their yellow and black stripes. They build their nests in the ground, tree stumps, walls, or attic spaces, and will defend them aggressively if threatened. When provoked, they will swarm and sting repeatedly, causing pain, swelling, itching, and even anaphylaxis in allergic individuals. In addition, yellow jackets are attracted to sweet foods and drinks, so be careful when eating or drinking outdoors and keep your trash sealed tightly.
Paper Wasps: Similar to yellow jackets in appearance and behavior, paper wasps have longer legs and slim waists, and build their nests from paper-like material. They are typically less aggressive than yellow jackets but will sting to defend their territory or food source. Their stings can be painful, and in some cases, lead to scarring or infection. If you spot a paper wasp nest on or near your house, please call St. George Pest Control for safe removal.
Fire Ants: If you live in southern states like Utah, you're familiar with fire ants, which are small and reddish-brown in color. Unlike other ants, they are aggressive and will swarm and sting in large numbers, causing burning pain, redness, swelling, and welts. In rare cases, they can cause life-threatening allergic reactions, especially in children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Fire ants typically build their nests in soil mounds or near pavement cracks, so avoid stepping on them or disturbing their habitat.
Tarantula Hawks: As their name implies, these large wasps prey on tarantulas, but they also have a painful sting that is ranked the second-most painful of any insect sting in the world, after the bullet ant. Tarantula hawks are not aggressive but will sting if provoked or handled. Their venom contains a neurotoxin that can cause prolonged and intense pain, muscle spasms, and sweating, lasting up to several hours. They are found throughout the western United States, including Utah, so stay away from them if you see them flying around.
These are the top 5 most dangerous stinging insects you should be aware of this summer season. If you encounter any of them, stay calm, move away slowly and avoid swatting or stepping on them. If you get stung, remove the stinger as soon as possible, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and take pain relievers or antihistamines as needed. If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or neck, or dizziness, seek medical attention right away. Remember, prevention is key to avoiding stings, so consult with St. George Pest Control to protect your home and yard from these pesky insects.
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Deadly Creatures : Dangerous Animals: Our world is filled with a variety of interesting animal species, some of which are attractive while others may not be visually appealing. However, looks can be deceiving, as seemingly harmless creatures can actually be deadly, while unattractive ones can be harmless. In this article, we'll discuss a range of captivating yet dangerous animals that require caution. Whether it's poisonous caterpillars or venomous predators, it's important to be aware of these creatures and know how to respond if you come across them.
Deadly Creatures
7. The Deadly Death Stalker Scorpion
The Deadly Death Stalker Scorpion
The Death Stalker scorpion lives up to its name by being responsible for most scorpion attacks worldwide. Although it rarely causes death in healthy adults, its sting can be incredibly painful. Children are at a higher risk and may suffer from symptoms such as fever, coma, and difficulty breathing. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to counteract the effects of the venom.
6. Beware Of The Hairy Caterpillar
Beware Of The Hairy Caterpillar
You might not think much of a tiny caterpillar that looks like a wig out of place, but don't be fooled by its appearance. Despite its harmless look, this caterpillar is actually dangerous. It's covered in delicate hairs that can deliver a painful sting when they penetrate the skin. If you happen to get stung, it's important to take action right away. Make sure to wash the affected area and seek medical help if the pain doesn't go away.
5. The Carpet Viper: Silent But Deadly
The Carpet Viper: Silent But Deadly
The Carpet Viper is known as the deadliest snake on Earth. Its venom has a dangerous effect - it prevents blood from clotting, which can result in fatal internal bleeding. This snake is quite elusive and can be found in populated areas during the daytime, putting unsuspecting individuals at risk. In the event of a bite, quick medical intervention is crucial for survival.
4. Cone Snail: A Tiny But Lethal Creature
Cone Snail: A Tiny But Lethal Creature
Although the Cone Snail may look harmless, its venom is extremely powerful. Just a single drop of its venom can cause the death of multiple humans, and there is currently no known cure or antidote available. It is essential to exercise extreme caution and avoid any contact with this species, as the consequences can be severe.
3. Africanized Honeybee: Genetically Engineered Aggressiveness
Africanized Honeybee: Genetically Engineered Aggressiveness
The Africanized Honeybee is a product of a failed experiment and displays more aggressive behavior compared to its counterparts. These bees can relentlessly pursue their victims over long distances. While their venom is not more dangerous than that of regular bees, multiple stings should be taken seriously and medical evaluation is advisable.
2. Brazilian Wandering Spider: A Surprise Encounter
Brazilian Wandering Spider: A Surprise Encounter
Despite its name, the Brazilian Wandering Spider often finds its way into areas where humans live, presenting a considerable danger. Its venom is highly painful and can have neurotoxic effects. It is crucial to prioritize safety in regions known to be inhabited by these spiders.
1. Stonefish: The Camouflaged Assassin
Stonefish: The Camouflaged Assassin
The Stonefish is a highly dangerous creature that disguises itself as a stone, making it a threat to swimmers who may not notice its presence. Stepping on its spines can cause severe poisoning, and in some cases, it can even lead to the loss of limbs. If you happen to encounter a Stonefish, seeking immediate medical attention is of utmost importance.
Conclusion
Nature is filled with stunning beauty, but it's important to remember that there are hidden dangers lurking among various animals.
Some of these creatures possess lethal traits that require us to approach them with respect and caution. Whether we come across venomous animals, poisonous frogs, or stealthy predators, it's crucial to prioritize our personal safety. If we encounter them, seeking immediate medical help is essential. Remember, prevention and awareness play a vital role in minimizing the risks associated with these creatures. Stay informed, stay safe, and always prioritize your well-being when encountering nature's most deadly inhabitants.
Also Read : 13 Tips On How To Survive Wild Animal Attacks
Source Image : discord.com
#Animal#Bewareoftheselethalanimals#BrazilianWanderingSpider#ConeSnail#Dangerouscreaturestoavoid#DeadlyCreatures#DeadlyDeathStalkerScorpion#Deadlywildlifeencounters#HairyCaterpillar#RunFastAndAskForHelp#SilentButDeadly#Stayawayfromthesedeadlypredators#Stonefish
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What Are Killer Bees?
What are killer bees?
Killer bees all the more precisely known as Africanized bees are a sort of bumble bee that was brought to the Americas to support honey creation, however, got away and have now spread all through the side of the equator.
As opposed to most honeybee bee genomes, Africanized Honey bees are undeniably more forceful, regional, and prepared to crowd. There's a period familiar maxim that honey bees would truly prefer not to sting you just if all else fails. That doesn't actually apply to Africanized Honey bees: they'll anxiously forfeit themselves to safeguard their hive.
Once in a multitude, they'll seek after gatecrashers' huge spans, stinging constantly. This can be an outrageous risk for human grown-ups — also pets and youngsters.
As a rule, Africanized Honey bees in Rochester, NY are tracked down in wild. More than 90% of wild honey bees in NY are currently viewed as Africanized, and the most deadly experiences happen when explorers coincidentally find a hive and have no place to run. Nonetheless, Africanized Honey bees are beginning to move into the metro region and stake out trees for hives.
Do Killer bees truly procure their name?
Sadly, the response is yes. People and pets have both been killed by Africanized Honey bee swarms. A grown-up human can endure more than 1,000 stings prior to surrendering to the toxin. A kid can endure around 500.
It's not only that: even overcomers of huge honey bee assaults are at a more serious gamble pushing ahead, since additional honey bee stings can cause unfavorably susceptible responses. A portion of the excruciating side effects of the honey bee stings for people who are hypersensitive incorporate swooning, regurgitating, sickness, and working relaxing.
If your Rochester, NY homes are affected with Killer bees, call "Town and Country Solutions" a reputed Rochester Pest Control agency in NY.
#Pest Control Rochester#buffalo pest control#exterminator Rochester NY#exterminators Rochester NY#termite control rochester#syracuse ant control#Syracuse pest control
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Why did I pick [this animal] for [this person]'s dæmon's final form ?
I made things quite obvious with Bruce and Hal's dæmons but I've been a bit more subtle with others. Here are some explanations.
Steph's dæmon, representing Jason's inner self, is a wood frog because A) the black marking around their eyes looks like a mask and B) they stop breathing and their hearts stop during Winter. Don't tell me that getting your inner self represented by a frog when your name is Todd isn't funny. Auberon's color is a wink at Stephanie's last name.
Cass' dæmon represents X, her unknown soulmate. I like to think her soulmate is a girl from her dance classes (Southern tiger cats are agile) with a leopard dæmon named Kitty or Fluffy or something inoffensive like that.
Tim's dæmon is a black Labrador Retriever. Of course you can imagine what you want but I had in mind that his soulmate was Conner and that a Labrador could match. This is why Brunhild's coat is black. Maybe I should have picked one of those black and red poisonous frogs instead but they seem less friendly.
Babs got a gibbon dæmon because they're agile and are excellent acrobats. They also happen to be social animals but defend their territories fiercely. They bond by grooming each other, you may have noticed Silas was braiding Babs' hair when she was arguing with Dick.
Dick's dæmon is a Congo African grey parrot. Those are among the smartest animals. Studies show they have a small human child's intelligence. They also show that they're selfless and will give a nut to another member of their species even if they don't get one for themselves. The second bird tends to reciprocate the gesture.
Oh, Alfred's turn now ! His dæmon is male and represents himself. Humans have used domestic geese as guardians (for poultry, notably) for a long time in history. They have a very good eyesight and can sound the alarm very loudly and are good at intimidating predators. I picked a Barnacle goose because they're not domesticated usually and have a dignified air about them.
Duke's dæmon is a guinea pig. I could tell you it's because his intended soulmate was Claire Clover (Gotham girl) and that she and her brother experimented on themselves to get Superman-like powers. However, I thought about making Duke's dæmon a guinea pig first and then considered whether or not my current Duke's ship could work and realized that it fitted quite well.
Damian has a Great Dane. His soulmate is probably friendly, energetic, maybe a bit sensitive and likes to spend time outdoors. Make your own pick.
I picked a honeybee for Martha because they do a lot of good and that their disappearance can trigger tragic things.
Thomas has a sable, an elegant animal with beautiful soft fur. My idea here is that Martha's a musician (see my dæmon's names post) and sables have excellent hearing.
Barry has a glorious scarab, a bright green animal that can fly because his soulmate is a Lantern. It's a small insect because Jessica seems to me of a reserved, quiet nature.
Jessica Cruz has a Peregrine falcon because it's the fastest animal in the world and her soulmate is a speedster.
Dinah has a Golden Retriever and I think it's self-explanatory. Something about Oliver's hair.
Oliver has a domestic canary and it's probably even more self-explanatory.
Jessica Jordan has an eagle dæmon because F-15 Eagles are USAF aircrafts and her husband is a pilot.
Martin gets an American shorthair cat because they've got muscle, are patient and sociable, just like his wife.
Selina gets a magpie because she's a thief and magpies have an undeserved reputation of being thieves too. Poor Tiffany does her best to avoid all the strays Selina has brought home.
I'm not forgetting Clark's non-existent bug. It's an imaginary insect because it's easier to pretend you have a bug dæmon than an elephant one.
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What are Africanized bees, and should you be afraid?
Short answer: Africanized bees are a subspecies/crossbreed of the western honeybee, apis mellifera, and no.
Long answer: Africanized (it sounds scary, but saying African bee would be too vague) bees thrive in hot, dry weather due to their homeland in Saharan/ sub-Saharan Africa. They are a crossbreed of several western honeybee subspecies, specifically the East African lowland honeybee with others not native to Africa.
To make a long, long story short, they escaped containment in a Brazilian honey farm in 1957. They are well suited to, among other places, the hot and dry parts of the west coast of North America, as well as the southwest deserts. They survive, if not necessarily thrive, in most areas below the tree line in North America under the right circumstances.
So, are they dangerous?
Yes! “But, AJ, you said I shouldn’t be afraid!” Yes, yes I did.
Africanized honey bee stings are not more toxic than other bees. The danger comes mostly in urban areas.
Africanized bees are significantly more defensive than other bees, especially the Italian honey bees that most Americans are used to. They also swarm more frequently and are willing to chase a human much further than other bees, up to a 1/4 mile.
The biggest danger comes when the hive is disturbed. Humans have been recorded receiving 10 times more stings from Africanized swarms compared to that of other honeybees.
They also live in immensely larger hives, population-wise, leaving more bees to swarm and chase a human.
They’ve been recorded to have killed approximately 1000 humans and countless livestock.
However, with appropriate precautions, there is very little risk to the average person.
First and foremost:
Beekeepers should under no circumstance keep a large colony of Africanized bees in an urban or suburban area. They have a large defensive zone easily invaded by both beekeepers and unsuspecting pets and children, and it is deeply irresponsible to allow the possibility of swarming in a residential or commercial area.
Second:
Beekeepers must, under all circumstances I can think of, keep Africanized hives that can’t be requeened within a timely manner small. Three boxes maximum, preferably 1.
For non-beekeepers:
You don’t have to worry! If you see a swarm of bees in an Africanized area (such as Southern California), call a responsible beekeeper immediately! Keep your space from large clusters of bees of any sort, but individual bees are very little threat to those without allergies.
Remember, a healthy human being can handle approximately 10 stings per pound of body weight. The danger of Africanized bees lies in numbers, where swarms can measure in the tens of thousands, able to kill people 100-500 lbs. Foraging bees, even in groups of three or four, are annoying at worst.
Identifying Africanized bees: due to their genetic range and that of other, “””safer””” honeybees, they can be almost impossible to tell apart. However, Africanized honeybees are often smaller and darker in color.
Pictures;
[ID: two hives of bees. The one on the right has light yellow and black bees. The left has dark and slightly smaller bees.]
These are two hives with Africanized genetics. The one on the left, however, has at least 50% pure Italian (gentle) genetics, hence the light color and size. The one on the right was caught wild in Southern California in an Africanized hotspot. For anyone concerned, these hives are both being requeened this week.
So, to recap: there’s nothing to be afraid of as long as you leave bees alone and call a responsible beekeeper if you see a swarm! Happy bee-watching!
Sources and resources in the reblogs
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5g madness
Bees are a symbol of Kundalini. One can hear the Bees at times during the activation or awakening stages. They are a Kundalini phenomena of grace. To kill them is a direct assault on grace like killing spiders or serpents or wolves or Mountain Lions, Jaguars, Orcas, Bears, Eagles, Butterflies, Wasps, African Lions, Tigers, Praying Mantis, and many more species. To kill them is bad, any of them. Some do more for humanity than others. Some actually are part of the development of the food sources that we partake of on a daily basis. The honeybee is one of those who help us in many many different ways. To kill them is wrong. To kill them for greater download speeds is even worse. Let’s do all that we can do as Kundalini people to alert our sleeping family to remove the 5G network’s from our cities and countryside. Let people go back to using cables that are just as effective and much safer for the environment we SHARE with other life creations.
—CHRISM
#5g#stop 5g#animal kingdom#wild animal#bees#honey bee#save the planet#save the nature#save the bees#environmental health#environmentalism#activism#spiritual life#kundalini energy#kundalini awakening#kundalini symptoms#spirituality#ezoteric#download speed#improve download speed#gaming#Long Reads#educate yourself#wifi#meditation#chakra#evolution#chrismkundalini
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TAFAKKUR: Part 402
THE LANGUAGE OF BEES
In 1788, Pastor Earnest Spitzner witnessed an amazing fact: When a Carniolan honeybee finds a good supply of pollen, she returns to the hive and there she tells the other bees about it. Spitzner suggested that the bees can communicate with each other by performing a curious circular dance. Both the beautiful observation and the deduction were correct, but Spitzner took it no further. It was left to Karl von Frisch, in our age, to interpret the language of honeybees.
When a honeybee discovers a new source of honey within about ten metres of the hive, she returns to the hive and regurgitates drops of honey which are eagerly drunk by other bees. Then, in order to indicate the source of the drops they have just drunk, she performs an interesting sequence of movements we call the ‘round dance’. She dances round in a circle, first in one direction, then reversing and going round in the opposite direction, again reversing and so on. During the performance, other bees follow her about, holding their antenna against her abdomen. After the dance, she flies back to the food source, normally a particular flower or group of flowers. The other bees who followed the dance do not fly after her but fly out in all directions. However, fairly soon, a great number of them find the new source. They do so because they have smelt the scent of the flowers that clung to the dancer’s body and so to recognize the right kind of flower. Observing this procedure of the bees’ communication with admiration, Frisch reported that the ‘round dance’ tells the other bees to go out and search in the near neighbourhood of the hive; and the scent on the dancer’s body tells them which flowers to look for. In one experiment, bees informed by a dancer at once found the right flowers in a section of Munich Botanical Gardens where 700 different plant species were blooming.
But honeybees search for food at a greater distance than 10 metres. They have been observed to fly more than 13 km in search of honey. Remembering the average that a honeybee is only about 13 mm long, that 13 km for a bee is the equivalent of about 1,600 km for a human being. It is clear that, even for distances considerably less than 13 km, the round dance would not be much use. If the discoverer of a new food source informed the other bees to go out and search in all directions for over several kilometres, they would never find the flowers. Thus, when a bee finds food at a considerable distance, say over 100 metres from the hive, she returns to the hive, offers the honey she has found, and then performs a different kind of special dance. She dances along in a straight line for a certain distance, wagging her tail vigorously and buzzing away by means of slight vibrations of the muscles that flap her wings in flight. At the end of this wagging run, she stops buzzing and wagging her tail, circles round to one side back to where she started, does another wagging run, circles round to the opposite side, does a third wagging run and so on. This sequence of movements is called ‘tail-wagging dance’. Showing special interest in wagging runs, a number of other bees follow her round. It is known that bees cannot hear sounds in the air, however they can feel the buzzing vibrations through the surface on which the dance is performed. Like the round dance the ‘tail-wagging’ dance tells the followers of the dance that there is food available, and what flowers to look for, from the smell. But it tells them much more than this; it tells them precisely how far away the flowers are, and in exactly what direction. And so, the bees who study the dance can fly with precision to the spot indicated, even at a distance of kilometers, and find the honey-bearing flowers.
The distance to the food is conveyed by the tempo of the dance. A quick-step tempo means a relatively nearby food source, a slow tempo means a more distant one. More precisely as the distance increases, so does the duration of each wagging run. The bees who follow the dance study several wagging runs and then appear to calculate the average duration which they then translate into distance by a mathematical rule.
The ‘tail-wagging dance’ is sometimes done on a horizontal surface just outside the hive. When this happens, the dancer indicates the direction of food by aiming her run in exactly the direction of the food. She can do this if she can see the sun (or the polarized light of the blue sky, which indicates the position of the sun to bees, though not to us). So, actually she is taking up a position in which she sees the sun as the same angle as during her flight to the honey source. The wagging run makes the same angle with the sun on her outward flight did. But the dance is normally performed in the dark inside the hive, on the vertical surface of the honeycomb. Here the angle between the flight path and the sun is translated into the angle between the wagging run and the vertical direction straight upwards.
Another remarkable fact about the bees communication is that if the bee reached her goal (and returned from it) by an L-shaped detour, she uses the angles and lengths of the two sections of flight to calculate the true direction of the goal by straight-line flight, and this is the direction she conveys in her dance, even when she did not this direct route herself.
As for the bees who are following the dance, they are working literally in the dark and can only use touch to find out the angle of the dancer’s wagging run against the vertical. They translate this back into a visual angle with the sun, fly off in this direction for the distance signaled by the wagging run tempo, and look for the flowers of the scent they smelt on the dancer.
So far we have described the language of the Carniolan race of honeybees according to the findings of Frisch. Other races have different ‘dialects’. German, North African, Caucasian, Italian honeybees all indicate distance and direction by much shorter dances than the Carniolans. How the honeybees have learned to communicate with each other is certainly remarkable! However, it is not a true language, because the system used by bees, unlike human languages, cannot generate new combination of structures and symbols to describe novel events. One example of their limitation is that bees appear to have no way of communicating height or depth beyond a few meters. Thus, if you take a bee to a source of food in a place, say 10 metres above ground level, she will return to her hive and try to indicate the food source by means of her dance. Then, the other bees will all fly out in the direction she indicated, but they will never find the source. No matter how near the source is, even if it is just above the hive, the result will be the same.
#allah#god#prophet#Muhammad#quran#ayah#sunnah#hadith#dua#salah#pray#prayer#reminder#religion#islam#muslim#muslimah#hijab#help#revert#convert#welcome to islam#how to convert to islam#new convert#new muslim#new revert#revert help#convert help#islam help#muslim help
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I was talking to some vegans and they said they abstained from honey not because of cruel practices (they knew that beekeeping is humane), but because, at least in the US, buying honey promotes beekeeping that's using non-native bees species, usually European or African. I know that non-native bees are a big deal over here in terms of them out-competing native species. I was wondering about your opinion though, as an entymologist that specializes in bees. Thank you!
Entymologist isn’t a real word, I think you’ve combined etymology (the study of words) with entomology (the study of insects).
Now a little bit of bee 101. Honeybees or at least the honeybees everyone thinks of when you think bees are European or Western honeybees (Apis mellifera). Asian countries typically use Eastern honeybees (Apis cerana) when it comes to honey production. But the European bee is the one that’s been domesticated and is found in pretty much every country.
Now under European honeybees (Apis mellifera remember), there are many subspecies. The African honeybee is one of those and is better known as either the East African lowland honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata) or the Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis). Note here that the Africanized or killer bee is neither of these but a hybrid species of the East African lowland honeybee crossed with several different subspecies to create a super aggressive bee.
No honey production therefore is going to be using native bees. There are a few native bee species that can be kept, such as stingless bees in Australia, but they don’t make enough honey to be sold commercially. So all honey production either uses European bees (if you’re buying local) or Asian bees.
Vegans refusing to support beekeepers is always strange since without honeybees alot of their replacement milks wouldn’t exist, nor would alot of crops. These crops typically can’t be pollinated by native species anyways, since native species usually are attracted to native plants. Keepers typically keep their bees on agricultural land anyways, they typically make more money doing that then by selling honey. So it’s all about making sure that the people keeping bees actually know what they’re doing, rather then letting everyone get a hive in their backyard, because wild / feral honeybees are a problem.
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How can honeybees reduce human/elephant conflict?
It turns out elephants really hate bees, even to the point of having a specific vocalization to warn other elephants that bees are nearby. Conservationists were able to take advantage of this natural reaction with the use of “bee fences”.
A bee fence is made up of many small honeybee hives surrounding a village or farm. These hives are connected by rope in such a way that, if an elephant tries to walk between the hives and pushes on the rope, the hives will swing and irritate the bees.
Bee fences have proven to be extremely useful at deterring elephants from entering human settlements or crop-raiding. This project also has the added bonus of providing local people with an additional source of food and income in the form of “elephant-friendly” honey.
The bee fence method has since been put to use in several other African countries, as well as countries with Asian elephants like Nepal and India.
Sometimes all it takes is a creative solution for humans and animals to share space more easily.
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The Wondrous World of Birds and Animals: A Dive into Nature's Marvels
In the vast tapestry of our natural world, few aspects captivate the human imagination quite like birds and animals. From the breathtaking flights of eagles to the graceful strides of lions, our planet's fauna embodies diversity, resilience, and beauty. Each species, with its unique characteristics and behaviors, contributes to the intricate balance of ecosystems, enriching our lives in ways both tangible and intangible. Let us embark on a journey through the enchanting realm of birds animals , exploring their significance, marveling at their adaptations, and recognizing our shared responsibility in their conservation.
The Avian Symphony: Birds in Flight
Birds, with their ethereal melodies and awe-inspiring flights, have long held a special place in human culture and imagination. From the resplendent plumage of tropical parrots to the haunting calls of nocturnal owls, avian diversity is a testament to the wonders of evolution. Birds serve as indicators of environmental health, their migrations tracing invisible pathways of interconnected habitats across continents.
Consider the Arctic tern, a true marvel of endurance, which embarks on an annual migration spanning from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again, covering a staggering distance of over 70,000 kilometers (43,500 miles). This remarkable feat underscores the adaptability and tenacity of avian life, reminding us of the intricate web of life that binds us all.
The Majesty of Terrestrial Beasts: Animals on Land
On the terrestrial front, the animal kingdom boasts an equally impressive array of inhabitants, each finely tuned to its respective niche. From the stealthy prowling of tigers in the dense jungles of Asia to the communal herds of wildebeests thundering across the African savannah, terrestrial animals embody strength, agility, and social complexity.
Consider the humble honeybee, whose intricate dances and cooperative efforts ensure the pollination of countless plant species, thus sustaining entire ecosystems. Similarly, the intricate societies of ants, with their division of labor and collective intelligence, serve as models of resilience and cooperation in the face of adversity.
Challenges and Conservation: Preserving Nature's Legacy
Yet, amidst the splendor of nature, birds and animals face unprecedented challenges in the modern era. Habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and pollution threaten countless species with extinction, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts on a global scale.
Fortunately, there is hope. Conservation initiatives, supported by scientific research, community engagement, and policy reform, offer a lifeline to endangered species and fragile ecosystems. From the establishment of protected areas and wildlife corridors to the implementation of sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry, concerted action can mitigate the impacts of human activities and safeguard the rich tapestry of life for future generations.
Conclusion: Embracing our Shared Heritage
In the grand tapestry of existence, birds and animals occupy a sacred place, serving as stewards of ecosystems and custodians of biodiversity. Their existence enriches our lives, evoking wonder, inspiration, and humility in equal measure. As stewards of this fragile planet, it is incumbent upon us to nurture and protect the magnificent diversity of life that surrounds us, recognizing that our fate is intertwined with that of every feathered and furry inhabitant of our wondrous world. Through collective action and reverence for nature's marvels, we can ensure a brighter future for all beings that call this planet home.
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NEW LIBRARY MATERIAL September 2020 - February 2021
Bibliography
Sorted by Call Number / Author.
011.7 F
Fadiman, Clifton, 1904-1999. The new lifetime reading plan / : the classical guide to world literature, Revised and expanded. 4th ed. New York : HarperCollins Publishers, 1999, c1997.
155.2 G
Gladwell, Malcolm, 1963-. David and Goliath : underdogs, misfits, and the art of battling giants. First edition.
Goliath : "Am I a dog that you should come to me with sticks?" -- The Advantages of Disadvantages (and the Disadvantages of Advantages). Vivek Ranadiv©♭: "It was really random. I mean, my father had never played basketball before." ; Teresa DeBrito: "My largest class was twenty-nine kids. Oh, it was fun." ; Caroline Sacks: "If I'd gone to the University of Maryland, I'd still be in science. -- The Theory of Desirable Difficulty. David Boies: You wouldn't wish dyslexia on your child. Or would you? ; Emil "Jay" Freireich: "How Jay did it, I don't know." ; Wyatt Walker: "De rabbit is de slickest o' all de animals de Lawd ever made." -- The Limits of Power. Rosemary Lawlor: "I wasn't born that way. This was forced upon me." ; Wilma Derksen: "We have all done something dreadful in our lives, or have felt the urge to." ; Andr©♭ Trocm©♭: "We feel obliged to tell you that there are among us a certain number of Jews.". This book uncovers the hidden rules that shape the balance between the weak and the mighty and the powerful and the dispossessed. In it the author challenges how we think about obstacles and disadvantages, offering a new interpretation of what it means to be discriminated against, or cope with a disability, or lose a parent, or attend a mediocre school, or suffer from any number of other apparent setbacks. He begins with the real story of what happened between the giant and the shepherd boy (David and Goliath) those many years ago. From there, the book examines Northern Ireland's Troubles, the minds of cancer researchers and civil rights leaders, murder and the high costs of revenge, and the dynamics of successful and unsuccessful classrooms, all to demonstrate how much of what is beautiful and important in the world arises from what looks like suffering and adversity. -- From book jacket.
170 H
Haidt, Jonathan, author. The happiness hypothesis : finding modern truth in ancient wisdom. Paperback edition.
"The Happiness Hypothesis is a book about ten Great Ideas. Each chapter is an attempt to savor one idea that has been discovered by several of the world's civilizations--to question it in light of what we now know from scientific research, and to extract from it the lessons that still apply to our modern lives and illuminate the causes of human flourishing. Award-winning psychologist Jonathan Haidt shows how a deeper understanding of the world's philosophical wisdom and its enduring maxims--like "do unto others as you would have others do unto you," or "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger"--can enrich and even transform our lives."--Back cover.
171 K
Kohn, Alfie. The brighter side of human nature : altruism and empathy in everyday life. New York : Basic Books, c1990.
305.5 W
Wilkerson, Isabel, author. Caste : the origins of our discontents. First edition.
The man in the crowd -- Toxins in the permafrost and heat rising all around -- The arbitrary construction of human divisions -- The eight pillars of caste -- The tentacles of caste -- The consequences of caste -- Backlash -- Awakening -- Epilogue: A world without caste. "In this brilliant book, Isabel Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. Beyond race, class, or other factors, there is a powerful caste system that influences people's lives and behavior and the nation's fate. Linking the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, Wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, bloodlines, stigma, and more. Using riveting stories about people--including Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball's Satchel Paige, a single father and his toddler son, Wilkerson herself, and many others--she shows the ways that the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day. She documents how the Nazis studied the racial systems in America to plan their out-cast of the Jews; she discusses why the cruel logic of caste requires that there be a bottom rung for those in the middle to measure themselves against; she writes about the surprising health costs of caste, in depression and life expectancy, and the effects of this hierarchy on our culture and politics. Finally, she points forward to ways America can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions, toward hope in our common humanity. Beautifully written, original, and revealing, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is an eye-opening story of people and history, and a reexamination of what lies under the surface of ordinary lives and of America life today."--.
305.8 W
Williamson, Joel. A rage for order : Black/White relations in the American South since emancipation. New York, NY : Oxford University Press, 1968.
Full ed.: published as The crucible of race. 1984. Traces the history of race relations, examines changing public attitudes, and tells the stories of those involved in Civil Rights movement.
305.9 P
Pipher, Mary Bray. The middle of everywhere : the world's refugees come to our town. First edition.
Cultural collisions on the Great Plains -- The beautiful laughing sisters-an arrival story -- Into the heart of the heartland -- All that glitters ... -- Children of hope, children of tears -- Teenagers--Mohammed meets Madonna -- Young adults--"Is there a marriage broker in Lincoln?"-- Family--"A bundle of sticks cannot be broken" -- African stories -- Healing in all times and places -- Home-a global positioning system for identity -- Building a village of kindness. Offers the tales of refugees who have escaped countries riddled by conflict and ripped apart by war to realize their dream of starting a new life in America, detailing their triumph over adversity.
306.4 P
Pollan, Michael. The botany of desire : a plant's-eye view of the world. Random House trade pbk. ed. New York : Random House, 2002.
Desire : sweetness, plant : the apple (Malus domestica) -- Desire : beauty, plant : the tulip (Tulipa) -- Desire : intoxication, plant : marijuana (Cannabis sativa x indica) -- Desire : control, plant : the potato (Solanum tuberosum). Focusing on the human relationship with plants, the author of Second nature uses botany to explore four basic human desires, sweetness, beauty, intoxication, and control, through portraits of four plants that embody them, the apple, tulip, marijuana, and potato. Every school child learns about the mutually beneficial dance of honeybees and flowers; the bee collects nectar and pollen to make honey and, in the process, spreads the flowers' genes far and wide. In The botany of desire, Michael Pollan ingeniously demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a similarly reciprocal relationship. In telling the stories of four familiar species that are deeply woven into the fabric of our lives, Pollan illustrates how the plants have evolved to satisfy humankind's most basic yearnings. And just as we've benefited from these plants, the plants have done well by us. So who is really domesticating whom?.
307.1 I
Immerwahr, Daniel, 1980-. Thinking small : the United States and the lure of community development. First Harvard University Press paperback edition 2018. Cambridge, MA : Harvard University Press, 2015.
Preface: Modernization, development, and community -- Introduction: Actually existing localism -- When small was big -- Development without modernization -- Peasantville -- Grassroots empire -- Urban villages -- Epilogue: What is dead and what is undead in community development?.
323.60973 I
In the hands of the people : Thomas Jefferson on equality, faith, freedom, compromise, and the art of citizenship. First edition. New York, NY : Random House, 2020.
"Thomas Jefferson believed in the covenant between a government and its citizens, in both the government's responsibilities to its people and also the people's responsibility to the republic. In this illuminating collection, a project of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jon Meacham has gathered Jefferson's most powerful and provocative reflections on the subject, drawn from public speeches and documents as well as his private correspondence. Still relevant centuries later, Jefferson's words provide a manual for U.S. citizenship in the twenty-first century. His thoughts will re-shape and revitalize the way readers relate to concepts including Freedom: "Divided we stand, united we fall." The importance of a free press:"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." Public education: "Enlighten the public generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body & mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day." Participation in government: A citizen should be "a participator in the government of affairs not merely at an election, one day in the year, but every day.""-- Provided by publisher.
324.6 P
Terborg-Penn, Rosalyn. African American women in the struggle for the vote, 1850-1920. Bloomington : Indiana University Press, c1998.
Revisiting the question of race in the woman suffrage movement -- African American women in the first generation of woman suffragists : 1850-1869 -- African American woman suffragists finding their own voices : 1870s and 1880s -- Suffrage strategies and ideas : African American women leaders respond during "the nadir" -- Mobilizing to win the vote : African American women's organizations -- Anti-black woman suffrage tactics and African American women's responses -- African American women as voters and candidates -- The nineteenth amendment and its meaning for African American women. This study of African American women's roles in the suffrage movement breaks new ground. Rosalyn Terborg-Penn draws from many original documents to take a comprehensive look at the African American women who sought the right to vote. She discovers numerous Black suffragists previously unknown. Analyzing the women's own stories, she examines why they joined the woman suffrage movement in the United States and how they participated in it - with white women, Black men, as members of African American women's organizations, or simultaneously in all three. Terborg-Penn further discusses their various levels of interaction and types of feminist philosophy. Noting that not all African American woman suffragists were from elite circles, Terborg-Penn finds representation from working-class and professional women as well.They came from all parts of the nation. Some employed radical, others conservative means to gain the right to vote. Black women, however, were unified in working to use the ballot to improve not only their own status, but the lives of Black people in their communities. Drawing from innumerable sources, Terborg-Penn argues that sexism and racism prevented African American women from voting and from full participation in the national suffrage movement. Following the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, state governments in the South, enacted policies which disfranchised African American women, with many white suffragists closing their eyes to the discriminatory acts. Despite efforts to keep Black women politically powerless, Terborg-Penn contends that the Black suffrage was a source of empowerment. Every political and racial effort to keep African American women disfranchised met with their active resistance until Black women achieved full citizenship.
326.80922 B
Brands, H. W., author. The zealot and the emancipator : John Brown, Abraham Lincoln and the struggle for American freedom. First Edition.
Pottawatomie -- Springfield -- Harpers Ferry -- The telegraph office. "What do moral people do when democracy countenances evil? The question, implicit in the idea that people can govern themselves, came to a head in America at the middle of the nineteenth century, in the struggle over slavery. John Brown's answer was violence--violence of a sort some in later generations would call terrorism. Brown was a deeply religious man who heard the God of the Old Testament speaking to him, telling him to do whatever was necessary to destroy slavery. When Congress opened Kansas territory to slavery, the eerily charismatic Brown raised a band of followers to wage war against the evil institution. One dark night his men tore several proslavery settlers from their homes and hacked them to death with broadswords, as a bloody warning to others. Three years later Brown and his men assaulted the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, with the goal of furnishing slaves with weapons to murder their masters in a race war that would cleanse the nation of slavery once and for all. Abraham Lincoln's answer was politics. Lincoln was an ambitious lawyer and former office-holder who read the Bible not for moral guidance but as a writer's primer. He disliked slavery yet didn't consider it worth shedding blood over. He distanced himself from John Brown and joined the moderate wing of the new, antislavery Republican party. He spoke cautiously and dreamed big, plotting his path to Washington and perhaps the White House. Yet Lincoln's caution couldn't preserve him from the vortex of violence Brown set in motion. Arrested and sentenced to death, Brown comported himself with such conviction and dignity on the way to the gallows that he was canonized in the North as a martyr to liberty. Southerners responded in anger and horror that a terrorist was made into a saint. Lincoln shrewdly threaded the needle of the fracturing country and won election as president, still preaching moderation. But the time for moderation had passed. Slaveholders lumped Lincoln with Brown as an enemy of the Southern way of life; seven Southern states left the Union. Lincoln resisted secession, and the Civil War followed. At first a war for the Union, it became the war against slavery Brown had attempted to start. Before it was over, slavery had been destroyed, but so had Lincoln's faith that democracy can resolve its moral crises peacefully"--.
328.73 M
Meacham, Jon, author. His truth is marching on : John Lewis and the power of hope. First edition.
Overture: the last march -- A hard life, a serious life -- The spirit of history -- Soul force -- In the image of God and democracy -- We are going to make you wish you was dead -- I'm going to die here -- This country don't run on love -- Epilogue: against the rulers of the darkness. "John Lewis, who at age twenty-five marched in Selma and was beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, is a visionary and a man of faith. Using intimate interviews with Lewis and his family and deep research into the history of the civil rights movement, Meacham writes of how the activist and leader was inspired by the Bible, his mother's unbreakable spirit, his sharecropper father's tireless ambition, and his teachers in nonviolence, Reverend James Lawson and Martin Luther King, Jr. A believer in hope above all else, Lewis learned from a young age that nonviolence was not only a tactic but a philosophy, a biblical imperative, and a transforming reality. At the age of four, Lewis, ambitious to become a preacher, practiced by preaching to the chickens he took care of. When his mother cooked one of the chickens, the boy refused to eat it--his first act of non-violent protest. Integral to Lewis's commitment to bettering the nation was his faith in humanity and in God, and an unshakable belief in the power of hope. Meacham calls Lewis "as important to the founding of a modern and multiethnic twentieth- and twenty-first century America as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and Samuel Adams were to the initial creation of the nation-state in the eighteenth century. He did what he did--risking limb and life to bear witness for the powerless in the face of the powerful--not in spite of America, but because of America, and not in spite of religion, but because of religion"--.
333.95 W
Wilson, Edward O. A window on eternity : a biologist's walk through Gorongosa National Park. First Simon & Schuster hardcover edition.
Prologue: The Search for Eternity -- The Sacred Mountain of Mozambique -- Once There Were Giants -- War and Redemption -- Dung and Blood -- The Twenty-Foot Crocodile -- The Elephant Whisperer -- The House of Spiders -- The Clash of Insect Civilizations -- The Log of an Entomological Expedition -- The Struggle for Existence -- The Conservation of Eternity. "E.O. Wilson, one of the most celebrated scientists in the United States, shows why biodiversity is vital to the future of Earth and to our own species through the story of an African national park that may be the most diverse place on earth, in a gorgeously illustrated book"--. "The remarkable story of how one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world was destroyed, restored, and continues to evolve--with stunning, full-color photographs by two of the world's best wildlife photographers. In 1976, Gorongosa National Park was the premier park in Mozambique, boasting one of the densest wildlife populations in all of Africa. Across 1,500 square miles of lush green floodplains, thick palm forests, swampy lakes, and vast plains roamed creatures great and small, from herds of wildebeest and elephant to countless bird species and insects yet to be classified. Then came the civil war of 1978-1992, when much of the ecosystem was destroyed, reducing some large animal populations by 90 percent or more. Due to a remarkable conservation effort sponsored by an American entrepreneur, the park was restored in the 1990s and is now evolving back to its former state. This is the story of that incredible transformation and why such biological diversity is so important. In A Window on Eternity, world-renowned biologist and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Edward O. Wilson shows why biodiversity is vital to the future of the Earth, including our human population. It is in places like Gorongosa in Africa, explains Wilson, that our own species evolved. Wilson takes readers to the forested groves of the park's watershed on sacred Mount Gorongosa, then far away to deep gorges along the edge of the Rift Valley, places previously unexplored by biologists, with the aim of discovering new species and assessing their ancient origins. He treats readers to a war between termites and raider ants, describes 'conversations' with elephant herds, and explains the importance of a one-day 'bioblitz.' Praised as 'one of the finest scientists writing today' (Los Angeles Times), Wilson uses the story of Gorongosa to show the significance of biodiversity to humankind"--.
340.092 S
Sligh, Clarissa T., artist. Transforming hate : an artist's book. First edition.
"This book evolved from a project for which I folded origami cranes from pages of white supremacist books for the exhibition, Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate ... I was trying to look at what it was like for me to turn hateful words into a beautiful art object. What actually evolved from that exploration helped me understand more fully the many levels of oppression and violence at the intersections of race, gender, class and sexual orientation." --inside front cover.
343.730 I
Internet law. Amenia, New York : Grey House Publishing, 2020.
345.73 C
Carter, Dan T. Scottsboro : a tragedy of the American South. Rev. ed. Fourth printing. Baton Rouge : Louisiana State University Press, 2007.
349.41 H
Honor©♭, Tony, 1921-2019. About law : an introduction. Reprint: 2013.
Law -- History -- Government -- Property -- Contracts and treaties -- Crimes -- Torts -- Forms and procedures -- Interpretation -- Justice -- Does law matter? -- Glossary.
363.73 P
Pollution. New York, NY : Grey House Publishing, 2020.
371.102 A
Agarwal, Pooja K., author. Powerful teaching : unleash the science of learning. First edition.
Introduction -- Discover the power behind power tools -- Build a foundation with retrieval practice -- Empower teaching with retrieval practice strategies -- Energize learning with spacing and interleaving -- Engage students with feedback-driven metacognition -- Combine power tools and harness your toolbox -- Keeping it real: use power tools to tackle challenges, not add to them -- Foster a supportive environment: use power tools to reduce anxiety and strengthen community -- Spark conversations with students about the science of learning -- Spark conversations with parents about the science of learning -- Powerful professional development for teachers and leaders -- Do-it-yourself retrieval guide -- Conclusion: unleash the science of learning.
512 G
Algebra. 2004. New York : Springer Science+Business Media, 2004.
575.1 A
Arney, Kat, author. How to code a human.
Meet your genome -- Our genetic journey -- How do genes work? -- Under attack! -- Who do you think your are? -- People are not peas -- Genetic superheroes -- Turn me on -- Sticky notes -- The RNA world -- Building a baby -- Wiring the brain -- Compatibility genes -- X and Y -- The viruses that made us human -- When things go wrong -- Human 2.0. "How to Code a Human takes you on a mind-bending journey through the world of the double helix, revealing how our DNA encodes our genes and makes us unique. Covering all aspects of modern genetics from the evolution of our species to inherited diseases, "junk" DNA, genetic engineering and the intricacies of the molecular processes inside our cells, this is an astonishing and insightful guide to the code of life"--Back cover.
598 S
Sibley, David, 1961- author, illustrator. What it's like to be a bird : from flying to nesting, eating to singing -- what birds are doing, and why.
How to use this book -- Introduction -- Portfolio of birds -- Birds in this book -- What to do if... -- Becoming a birder. Explore more than two hundred species, and more than 330 new illustrations by the author, in this special, large-format volume, where many of the primary illustrations are reproduced life-sized. While its focus is on familiar backyard birds -- blue jays, nuthatches, chickadees -- What It's Like to Be a Bird also examines certain species that can be fairly easily observed, such as the seashore-dwelling Atlantic Puffin. David Sibley's exacting artwork and wide-ranging expertise bring observed behaviors vividly to life. And while the text is aimed at adults -- including fascinating new scientific research on the myriad ways birds have adapted to environmental changes -- it is nontechnical, making it the perfect occasion for parents and grandparents to share their love of birds with young children, who will delight in the big, full-color illustrations of birds in action. -- back cover.
613.6 C
Bushcraft Illustrated: a visual guide. New York, NY : Simon & Schuster, Inc. (Adams Media: imprint of Simon & Schuster), 2019.
638.1 B
Michael Bush. The Practical beekeeper. Nehawka, Nebraska : X-Star Publishing Company, 2004-2011.
V. 1 - The Practical Beekeeing Naturally; V.2 - Intermediate Beekeeping Naturally.
660.6 D
Druker, Steven M., author. Altered genes, twisted truth : how the venture to genetically engineer our food has subverted science, corrupted government, and systematically deceived the public.
709.2 A
Atalay, B©ơlent. Math and the Mona Lisa: : the art and science of Leonardo da Vinci. New York, NY : Smithsonian Books in association with HarperCollins Publishers, 2006.
Leonardo was one of history's true geniuses, equally brilliant as an artist, scientist, and mathematician. Following Leonardo's own model, Atalay searches for the internal dynamics of art and science. He provides an overview of the development of science from the dawn of civilization to today's quantum mechanics. From this base, Atalay offers a view into Leonardo's restless intellect and modus operandi, allowing us to see the source of his ideas and to appreciate his art from a new perspective.
741.5 G
Greenberg, Isabel. The encyclopedia of early earth : a graphic novel. First American edition.
Love in a very cold climate -- Part 1. The land of Nord. The three sisters of Summer Island ; Beyond the frozen sea ; The gods ; The odyssey begins -- Part 2. Britanitarka. Summer and winter ; Creation ; Medicine man ; The storytellers ; Creation ; Dag and Hal ; The old lady and the giant ; The time of the giants ; The children of the mountain ; The long night ; Dead towns & ghost men -- Part. 3. Migdal Bavel. Migdal Bavel ; The mapmaker of Migdal Bavel ; The bible of Birdman: Genesis ; Bible of Birdman, book of Kiddo: The great flood ; The tower of Migdal Bavel ; The palace of whispers ; The gods #2 -- Part 4. The South Pole. The gods #3 -- Appendices. A brief history of time ; The Nords ; Hunting and fishing ; The 1001 varieties of snow ; The invisible hunter ; Britanitarka ; Birds & beast from early Earth ; The moonstone ; The plucked firebird of Hoo. "Chronicles the explorations of a young man as he paddles from his home in the North Pole to the South Pole. There, he meets his true love, but their romance is ill-fated. Early Earth's unusual and finicky polarity means the lovers can never touch"--Publisher's website.
808.1 G
How poetry can change your heart. San Francisco, CA : Chronicle Books, 2019.
808.5 E
Franklin, Sharon. Essentials of speech communication. Evanston, Ill. : McDougal Littell, 2001.
808.53 H
Hanson, Jim. NTC's dictionary of debate. Lincolnwood, Ill., USA : National Textbook Co., c1990.
808.53 W
Strategic debate. Textbook. Columbus, OH : Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2006.
810.8 B
Lepucki, Edan, author. The best American nonrequired reading 2019.
This anthology presents a selection of short works from mainstream and alternative American periodicals published in 2019, including nonfiction, screenplays, television writing, fiction, and alternative comics.
815 R
Representative American speeches, 2019-2020. Amenia, New York : Grey House, Publishing, 2020.
"Selected from a diverse field of speakers and venues, this volume offers some of the most engaging American speeches of the year. Distinguished by its diversity, covering areas in politics, education, popular culture, as well as trending topics in the news, these speeches provide an interesting format to explore some of the year's most important stories."-Publisher.
909.09 D
Davis, Jack E., 1956- author. The Gulf : the making of an American sea. First edition.
Prologue : history, nature, and a forgotten sea -- Introduction : birth -- Part one. Estuaries, and the lie of the land and sea : aborigines and colonizing Europeans. Mounds -- El golfo de M©♭xico -- Unnecessary death -- A most important river, and a "magnificent" bay -- Part two. Sea and sky : American debuts in the nineteenth century. Manifest destiny -- A fishy sea -- The wild fish that tamed the coast -- Birds of a feather, shot together -- Part three. Preludes to the future. From bayside to beachside -- Oil and the Texas toe dip -- Oil and the Louisiana plunge -- Islands, shifting sands of time -- Wind and water -- Part four. Saturation and loss : post-1945. The growth coast -- Florida worry, Texas slurry -- Rivers of stuff -- Runoff, and runaway -- Sand in the hourglass -- Losing the edge -- Epilogue : a success story amid so much else. Significant beyond tragic oil spills and hurricanes, the Gulf has historically been one of the world's most bounteous marine environments, supporting human life for millennia. Based on the premise that nature lies at the center of human existence, Davis takes readers on a compelling and, at times, wrenching journey from the Florida Keys to the Texas Rio Grande, along marshy shorelines and majestic estuarine bays, both beautiful and life-giving, though fated to exploitation by esurient oil men and real-estate developers. Davis shares previously untold stories, parading a vast array of historical characters past our view: sports-fishermen, presidents, Hollywood executives, New England fishers, the Tabasco king, a Texas shrimper, and a New York architect who caught the "big one". Sensitive to the imminent effects of climate change, and to the difficult task of rectifying the assaults of recent centuries, this book suggests how a penetrating examination of a single region's history can inform the country's path ahead. --.
910.92 I
Inskeep, Steve, author. Imperfect union : how Jessie and John Fr©♭mont mapped the West, invented celebrity, and helped cause the Civil War.
Aid me with your influence -- The equal merits of differing peoples -- The current of important events -- Miseries that attend a separation -- I determined to make there a home -- The manifest purpose of providence -- A taste for danger and bold daring adventure -- The Spaniards were somewhat rude and inhospitable -- I am not going to let you write anything but your name -- Do not suppose I lightly interfere in a matter belonging to men -- We pressed onward with fatal resolution -- Jessie Benton Fr©♭mont was the better man of the two -- We thought money might come in handy -- All the stupid laurels that ever grew -- Decidedly, this ought to be struck out -- He throws away his heart. "Steve Inskeep tells the riveting story of John and Jessie Fr©♭mont, the husband and wife team who in the 1800s were instrumental in the westward expansion of the United States, and thus became America's first great political couple John Fr©♭mont grew up amid family tragedy and shame. Born out of wedlock in 1813, he went to work at age thirteen to help support his family in Charleston, South Carolina. He was a nobody. Yet, by the 1840s, he rose to become one of the most acclaimed people of the age -- known as a wilderness explorer, bestselling writer, gallant army officer, and latter-day conquistador, who in 1846 began the United States' takeover of California from Mexico. He was a celebrity who personified the country's westward expansion. Mountains, towns, ships, and streets were named after him. How did he climb so far? A vital factor was his wife, Jessie Benton Fr©♭mont, the daughter of a powerful United States senator. Jessie wanted to play roles in politics and exploration, which were then reserved for men. Frustrated, she threw her skill and passion into promoting her husband. Ordered by the US Army to map the Oregon Trail, John traveled thousands of miles on horseback, indifferent to his safety and that of the other members of his expeditions. When he returned home, Jessie helped him to shape dramatic reports of his adventures, which were reprinted in newspapers and bound as popular books. Jessie became his political adviser, and a power player in her own right. In 1856, the famous couple strategized as John became the first-ever presidential nominee of the newly established Republican Party. The party had been founded in opposition to slavery, and though both Fr©♭monts were Southerners they became symbols of the cause. With rare detail and in consummate style, Steve Inskeep tells the story of a couple whose joint ambitions and talents intertwined with those of the nascent United States itself. Americans linked the Fr©♭monts with not one but three great social movements of the time -- westward settlement, women's rights, and opposition to slavery. Theirs is a surprisingly modern story of ambition and fame; they lived in a time of globalization, technological disruption, and divisive politics that foreshadowed our own. The Fr©♭monts' adventures amount to nothing less than a tour of the early American soul"--.
940.54 S
Sledge, E. B. (Eugene Bondurant), 1923-. China marine. Oxford University Paperback, 2003. Tuscaloosa : University of Alabama Press, c2002.
China Marine 1 -- Epilogue: I Am Not the Man I Would Have Been 149.
940.54 T
Terkel, Studs, 1912-2008. "The good war" : an oral history of World War Two. New York : New Press, [1997.
943.36 H
Hunt, Irmgard A. (Irmgard Albine), 1934-. On Hitler's mountain : overcoming the legacy of a Nazi childhood. First Harper Perennial edition. 2006.
On writing a childhood memoir -- pt. 1. 1906-1934 : the P©œhlmanns. Roots of discontent ; In search of a future -- pt. 2. 1934-1939 : Hitler's willing followers. The rituals of life ; "Heil Hitler" ; Ominous undercurrents ; Meeting Hitler ; Gathering clouds -- pt. 3. 1939-1945 : war and surrender. Early sacrifice ; Learning to hate school ; Lessons from a wartime friendship ; A weary interlude in Selb ; Hardship and disintegration ; War comes to Berchtesgaden ; The end at last -- pt. 4. 1945-1948 : Bitter justice, or, Will justice be done? Survival under the Star-spangled Banner ; The curse of the past ; Escape from darkness. The author provides an account of her life growing up in Berchtesgaden, a Bavarian village at the foot of Hitler's mountain retreat, discussing a childhood encounter with the Nazi leader, and shedding light on why ordinary Germans, including her parents, tolerated and even supported the Nazis.
951.04 M
Mitter, Rana, 1969- author. Forgotten ally : China's World War II, 1937-1945. First U.S. Edition.
The path to war: As close as lips and teeth : China's fall, Japan's rise ; A new revolution ; The path to confrontation -- Disaster: Thirty-seven days in summer : the outbreak of war ; The battle for Shanghai ; Refugees and resistance ; Massacre at Nanjing ; The battle of Taierzhuang ; The deadly river -- Resisting alone: "A sort of wartime normal" ; Flight into the unknown ; The road to Pearl Harbor -- The poisoned alliance ; Destination Burma ; Hunger in Henan ; States of terror ; Conference at Cairo ; One war, two fronts ; Showdown with Stilwell ; Unexpected victory ; Epilogue: The enduring war. "For decades, a major piece of World War II history has gone virtually unwritten. China was the fourth great ally, partner to the United States, the Soviet Union, and Great Britain, yet its drama of invasion, resistance, slaughter, and political intrigue remains little known in the West. In this emotionally gripping book, made possible through access to newly unsealed Chinese archives, Rana Mitter unfurls the story of China's World War II as never before and rewrites the larger history of the war in the process. He focuses his narrative on three towering leaders -- Chiang Kai-shek, Mao Zedong, and the lesser-known collaborator Wang Jingwei -- and extends the timeline of the war back to 1937, when Japanese and Chinese troops began to clash, fully two years before Hitler invaded Poland. Unparalleled in its research and scope, Forgotten Ally is a sweeping, character-driven history that will be essential reading not only for anyone with an interest in World War II, but also for those seeking to understand today's China, where, as Mitter reveals, the echoes of the war still reverberate"--.
952 J
Takada, Noriko. The Japanese way : aspects of behavior, attitudes, and customs of the Japanese. 2nd ed. Chicago : McGraw-Hill, c2011 .
Abbreviations and contractions -- Addresses and street names -- Arts and crafts -- Asking directions -- Bathing and bathhouses -- Body language and gestures -- Borrowed words and acronyms -- Bowing -- Brand names and brand-name goods (burando-hin) -- Business cards (meish) -- Calendar -- Cherry blossoms and flower viewing -- Compliments -- Conversation -- Crime and safety -- Dating and marriage -- Death, funerals, and mourning -- Dialects -- Dining out -- Dinner invitations -- Directness -- Discussion and consensus -- Dress -- Drinking -- Driving -- Earthquakes -- Education -- English-language study -- Family -- The Jag and the national anthem -- Flowers and plants -- Food and eating -- Footwear -- Foreigners -- Gender roles -- Geography -- Gifts -- Government -- Hellos and good-byes -- Holidays and festivals -- Honorific speech (keigo) -- Hotels and inns -- Housing and furnishings -- Humor -- The Imperial family -- Individuals and couples -- Introductions and networking -- Karaoke -- Leisure (rgli) -- Letters, greeting cards, and postal services -- Love and affection -- Lucky and unlucky numbers -- Male/female speech -- Money -- Mt. Fuji -- Music and dance -- Myths, legends, and folklore -- Names, titles, and forms of address -- Numbers and counting -- Oriental medicine -- Pinball (pachinko) -- Politeness and rudeness -- Population -- Privacy -- Reading material -- Religion -- The seasons -- Shopping -- Shrines and temples -- Signatures and seals -- Social structure -- Sports -- Table etiquette -- Telephones -- Television/radio/movies -- Thank-yous and regrets -- Theater -- Time and punctuality -- Tipping and service charges -- Toilets -- Travel within Japan -- Vending machines -- Visiting private homes -- Weights, measures, and sizes -- Working hours -- The written language -- "Yes" and "no" -- "You first" -- Zoological calendar.
972.81 P
Proskouriakoff, Tatiana, 1909-1985. Maya history. First edition.
Foreword / Gordon R. Wills -- Tatiana Proskouriakoff, 1909-1985 / Ian Graham -- Introduction / Rosemary A. Joyce -- 1. The Earliest Records: (A.D. 288-337) -- 2. The Arrival of Strangers: (A.D. 337-386) -- 3. The Maya Regain Tikal: (A.D. 386-435) -- 4. Some Ragged Pages: (A.D. 435-485) -- 5. Expansion of the Maya Tradition: (A.D. 485-534) -- 6. A Time of Troubles: (A.D. 534-583) -- 7. Recovery on the Frontiers: (A.D. 583-633) -- 8. Growth and Expansion: (A.D. 633-682) -- 9. Toward a Peak of Prosperity: (A.D. 682-736) -- 10. On the Crest of the Wave: (A.D. 731-780) -- 11. Prelude to Disaster: (A.D. 780-830) -- 12. The Final Years: (A.D. 831-909) -- 13. The Last Survivals: (A.D. 909-938). The ruins of Maya city-states occur throughout the Yucatan peninsula, Guatemala, Belize, and in parts of Honduras and El Salvador. But the people who built these sites remain imperfectly known. Though they covered standing monuments (stelae) and public buildings with hieroglyphic records of their deeds, no Rosetta Stone has yet turned up in Central America to help experts determine the exact meaning of these glyphs. Tatiana Proskouriakoff, a preeminent student of the Maya, made many breakthroughs in deciphering Maya writing, particularly in demonstrating that the glyphs record the deeds of actual human beings. This discovery opened the way for a history of the Maya, a monumental task that Proskouriakoff was engaged in before her death in 1985. Her work, Maya History, has been made ready for press by the able editorship of Rosemary Joyce. Maya History reconstructs the Classic Maya period (roughly A.D. 250-900) from the glyphic record on stelae at numerous sites, including Altar de Sacrificios, Copan, Dos Pilas, Naranjo, Piedras Negras, Quirigua, Tikal, and Yaxchilan. Proskouriakoff traces the spread of governmental institutions from the central Peten, especially from Tikal, to other city-states by conquest and intermarriage. And she also shows how the gradual introduction of foreign elements into Maya art mirrors the entry of outsiders who helped provoke the eventual collapse of the Classic Maya. Fourteen line drawings of monuments and over three hundred original drawings of glyphs amplify the text. Maya History has been long awaited by scholars in the field. It is sure to provoke lively debate and greater understanding of this important area in Mesoamerican studies.
973.04 A
Asian Americans : the movement and the moment.
A wide-ranging collection of essays and material which documents the rich, little-known history of Asian American social activism during the years 1965-2001. This book examines the period not only through personal accounts and historical analysis, but through the visual record--utilizing historical prictorial materials developed at UCLA's Asian American Studies Center on Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and Vietnamese Americans. Included are many reproductions of photos of the period, movement comics, demonstration flyers, newsletters, posters and much more.
973.0496 D
W.E.B. DuBois. The Souls of Black Folk. BIGFONTBOOKS.COM.
973.7 B
Barney, William L. Battleground for the Union : the era of the Civil War and Reconstruction, 1848-1877. Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice Hall, c1990.
973.9 I
Imani, Blair, author. Making our way home : the Great Migration and the Black American dream. First edition.
Separate but equal: Reconstruction-1919 -- Beautiful -- and ugly, too: 1920-1929 -- I, too, am America: 1930-1939 -- Liberty and justice for all: 1940-1949 -- Trouble ahead: 1950-1959 -- The time is in the street, you know: 1960-1969 -- All poer to all the people: 1970-1979. "A powerful illustrated history of the Great Migration and its sweeping impact on Black and American culture, from Reconstruction to the rise of hip hop. Over the course of six decades, an unprecedented wave of Black Americans left the South and spread across the nation in search of a better life--a migration that sparked stunning demographic and cultural changes in twentieth-century America. Through gripping and accessible historical narrative paired with illustrations, author and activist Blair Imani examines the largely overlooked impact of The Great Migration and how it affected--and continues to affect--Black identity and America as a whole. Making Our Way Home explores issues like voting rights, domestic terrorism, discrimination, and segregation alongside the flourishing of arts and culture, activism, and civil rights. Imani shows how these influences shaped America's workforce and wealth distribution by featuring the stories of notable people and events, relevant data, and family histories. The experiences of prominent figures such as James Baldwin, Fannie Lou Hamer, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X), Ella Baker, and others are woven into the larger historical and cultural narratives of the Great Migration to create a truly singular record of this powerful journey"--.
973.9 L
Longley, Kyle, author. LBJ's 1968 : power, politics, and the presidency in America's year of upheaval.
A nation on the brink: the State of the Union Address, January 1968 -- Those dirty bastards, are they trying to embarrass us? The Pueblo Incident, January-December 1968 -- Tet: a very near thing, January-March 1968 -- As a result, I will not seek re-election: the March 31, 1968 speech -- The days the earth stood still: the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., April 1968 -- He hated him, but loved him: the assassination of Robert Kennedy, June 1968 -- The big stumble: the Fortas Affair, June-October 1968 -- The tanks are rolling: Czechoslovakia crushed, August 1968 -- The perfect disaster: the Democratic National Convention, August 1968 -- Is this treason?: the October surprise that wasn't, October-December 1968 -- The last dance, January 1969 -- Conclusion.
974.7 F
Feldman, Deborah, 1986-. Unorthodox : the scandalous rejection of my Hasidic roots. 1st Simon & Schuster trade pbk. ed. 2020. New York : Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2012.
Traces the author's upbringing in a Hasidic community in Brooklyn, describing the strict rules that governed her life, arranged marriage at the age of seventeen, and the birth of her son, which led to her plan to leave and forge her own path in life.
975.7 B
Ball, Edward, 1959-. Slaves in the family. Paperback edition.
Journalist Ball confronts the legacy of his family's slave-owning past, uncovering the story of the people, both black and white, who lived and worked on the Balls' South Carolina plantations. It is an unprecedented family record that reveals how the painful legacy of slavery continues to endure in America's collective memory and experience. Ball, a descendant of one of the largest slave-owning families in the South, discovered that his ancestors owned 25 plantations, worked by nearly 4,000 slaves. Through meticulous research and by interviewing scattered relatives, Ball contacted some 100,000 African-Americans who are all descendants of Ball slaves. In intimate conversations with them, he garnered information, hard words, and devastating family stories of precisely what it means to be enslaved. He found that the family plantation owners were far from benevolent patriarchs; instead there is a dark history of exploitation, interbreeding, and extreme violence.--From publisher description.
975.7 B
Ball, Edward, 1959-. The sweet hell inside : a family history. First edition.
Preface -- Part 1-The Master and His Orphans-Part 2-High Yellow-Porch 3 -Eyes Sadder Then the Grave-Part 4-Nigger Rich-Part 5-The Orphans Dancers-Part 6-A Trunk in the Grass-Notes-Permission and Photography Credits-Acknowledgments-Index. If. Recounts the lives of the Harleston family of South Carolina, the progeny of a Southern gentleman and his slave who cast off their blemished roots and achieved affluence in part through a surprisingly successful funeral parlor business. Their wealth afforded the Harlestons the comfort of chauffeurs, tailored clothes, and servants whose skin was darker than theirs. It also launched the family into a generation of glory as painters, performers, and photographers in the "high yellow" society of America's colored upper class. The Harlestons' remarkable 100-year journey spans the waning days of Reconstruction, the precious art world of the early 1900s, the back alleys of the Jazz Age, and the dawn of the civil rights movement.--From publisher description.
DVD Gre
The Great debaters. 2-disc collector's edition; Widescreen [ed.]. [New York] : Weinstein Company, c2008.
Denzel Washington, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Denzel Whitaker, Jermaine Williams, Forest Whitaker, Gina Ravera, John Heard, Kimberly Elise, Devyn Tyler, Trenton McClain Boyd. Melvin B. Tolson is a professor at Wiley College in Texas. Wiley is a small African-American college. In 1935, Tolson inspired students to form the school's first debate team. Tolson turns a group of underdog students into a historically elite debate team which goes on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. Inspired by a true story.
F Alb
Albertalli, Becky, author. What if it's us.
Told in two voices, when Arthur, a summer intern from Georgia, and Ben, a native New Yorker, meet it seems like fate, but after three attempts at dating fail they wonder if the universe is pushing them together or apart.
F Arc
Astral Traveler's Daughter. First Simon & Schuster Trade Paperback edition, April 2019. New York, NY : Simon & Schuster, Inc, 2019.
"Last year, Teddy Cannon discovered she was psychic. This year, her skills will be put to the test as she investigates a secretive case that will take her far from home--and deep into the past in the thrilling follow-up to School for Psychics"-- Provided by publisher.
F Chi
Chiaverini, Jennifer, author. Enchantress of numbers : a novel of Ada Lovelace.
"The only legitimate child of Lord Byron, the most brilliant, revered, and scandalous of the Romantic poets, Ada was destined for fame long before her birth. Estranged from Ada's father, who was infamously "mad, bad, and dangerous to know," Ada's mathematician mother is determined to save her only child from her perilous Byron heritage. Banishing fairy tales and make-believe from the nursery, Ada's mother provides her daughter with a rigorous education grounded in mathematics and science. Any troubling spark of imagination--or worse yet, passion or poetry--is promptly extinguished. Or so her mother believes. When Ada is introduced into London society as a highly eligible young heiress, she at last discovers the intellectual and social circles she has craved all her life. Little does she realize that her delightful new friendship with inventor Charles Babbage--brilliant, charming, and occasionally curmudgeonly--will shape her destiny ..."--Jacket.
F Chr
Christie, Michael, 1976- author. Greenwood : a novel. First U.S. edition.
"It's 2038 and Jake Greenwood is a storyteller and a liar, an overqualified tour guide babysitting ultra-rich vacationers in one of the world's last remaining forests. It's 2008 and Liam Greenwood is a carpenter, fallen from a ladder and sprawled on his broken back, calling out from the concrete floor of an empty mansion. It's 1974 and Willow Greenwood is out of jail, free after being locked up for one of her endless series of environmental protests: attempts at atonement for the sins of her father's once vast and violent timber empire. It's 1934 and Everett Greenwood is alone, as usual, in his maple syrup camp squat when he hears the cries of an abandoned infant and gets tangled up in the web of a crime that will cling to his family for decades. And throughout, there are trees: thrumming a steady, silent pulse beneath Christie's effortless sentences and working as a guiding metaphor for withering, weathering, and survival. A shining, intricate clockwork of a novel, Greenwood is a rain-soaked and sun-dappled story of the bonds and breaking points of money and love, wood and blood--and the hopeful, impossible task of growing toward the light"--.
F Cle
Memoirs of Fanny Hill. Published by arrangement with Edito-Service S. A., Geneva, Switzerland. New York, NY : Peebles Press International Inc, 1973.
F Col
Andre's Reboot. Birmingham, AL : Stephen B. Coleman, Publisher, 2019.
F Def
Moll Flanders. Reprint. 2020. Columbia, SC, : August 12, 2020.
F Def
Defoe, Daniel, 1661?-1731. The fortunes and misfortunes of the famous Moll Flanders ... A new edition.
F Fit
Fitzgerald, F. Scott (Francis Scott), 1896-1940, author. The great Gatsby.
Foreword to the seventy-fifth anniversary edition: F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, and the House of Scribner ; Preface / by Matthew J. Bruccoli -- THE GREAT GATSBY -- The text of The Great Gatsby / by Matthew J. Bruccoli -- Publisher's afterword / Charles Scribner III -- FSF : life and career / James L.W. West III. Overview: The mysterious Jay Gatsby embodies the American notion that it is possible to redefine oneself and persuade the world to accept that definition. Gatsby's youthful neighbor, Nick Carraway, fascinated with the display of enormous wealth in which Gatsby revels, finds himself swept up in the lavish lifestyle of Long Island society during the Jazz Age. Considered Fitzgerald's best work, The Great Gatsby is a mystical, timeless story of integrity and cruelty, vision and despair. The timeless story of Jay Gatsby and his love for Daisy Buchanan is widely acknowledged to be the closest thing to the Great American Novel ever written.
F Jam
The Turn of the Screw, the Aspern Papers, and Two Stories. Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003; Intro. and notes by David L. Sweet. New York, NY : Barnes & Noble, 2003.
F Ora
Orange, Tommy, 1982- author. There there. First Vintage books edition.
Here is a story of several people, each of whom has private reasons for travelling to the Big Oakland Powwow. Jacquie Red Feather is newly sober and trying to make it back to the family she left behind in shame. Dene Oxendene is pulling his life together after his uncle's death and has come to work at the powwow to honour his uncle's memory. Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield has come to watch her nephew Orvil Red Feather, who has taught himself traditional Indian dance through YouTube videos and has come to the powwow to dance in public for the very first time. There will be glorious communion, and a spectacle of sacred tradition and pageantry. And there will be sacrifice, and heroism, and unspeakable loss.
F Pat
Patchett, Ann, author. The Dutch house : a novel. First edition.
"Ann Patchett, the New York Times bestselling author of Commonwealth and State of Wonder, returns with her most powerful novel to date: a richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go"--.
F Rob
Roberts, Nora, author. The awakening. First edition.
"#1 New York Times bestselling author of the epic Chronicles of The One trilogy returns with the first in a brand new series where parallel worlds clash over the struggle between good and evil"--.
F Row
Rowling, J. K. Harrius Potter et philosophi lapis. Cover illustration first pub. 2015. London : Bloomsbury, 2003, ℗♭1997.
Latin translation, Peter Needham, 2003. Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
F Rus
Russell, Karen, 1981-. Swamplandia! 1st ed (Borzoi Book). New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2011.
Twelve year old Ava must travel into the Underworld part of the swamp in order to save her family's dynasty of Bigtree alligator wresting. This novel takes us to the swamps of the Florida Everglades, and introduces us to Ava Bigtree, an unforgettable young heroine. The Bigtree alligator wrestling dynasty is in decline, and Swamplandia!, their island home and gator wrestling theme park, formerly no. 1 in the region, is swiftly being encroached upon by a fearsome and sophisticated competitor called the World of Darkness. Ava's mother, the park's indomitable headliner, has just died; her sister, Ossie, has fallen in love with a spooky character known as the Dredgeman, who may or may not be an actual ghost; and her brilliant big brother, Kiwi, who dreams of becoming a scholar, has just defected to the World of Darkness in a last ditch effort to keep their family business from going under. Ava's father, affectionately known as Chief Bigtree, is AWOL; and that leaves Ava, a resourceful but terrified thirteen, to manage ninety eight gators as well as her own grief. Against a backdrop of hauntingly fecund plant life animated by ancient lizards and lawless hungers, the author has written a novel about a family's struggle to stay afloat in a world that is inexorably sinking.
F Sha
Shaw, Irwin, 1913-1984. The young lions. Chicago : University of Chicago Press, 2000.
F Tol
The Hobbit. 75th Anniversary. The text of this edition is based on edition published by HarperCollins Publishers in 1995.
Bilbo Baggins, a respectable, well-to-do hobbit, lives comfortably in his hobbit-hole until the day the wandering wizard Gandalf chooses him to take part in an adventure from which he may never return.
F Tow
Towles, Amor. Rules of civility.
A chance encounter with a handsome banker in a jazz bar on New Year's Eve 1938 catapults Wall Street secretary Katey Kontent into the upper echelons of New York society, where she befriends a shy multi-millionaire, an Upper East Side ne'er-do-well, and a single-minded widow.
F Wat
Watson, Ren©♭e, author. Piecing me together.
Tired of being singled out at her mostly-white private school as someone who needs support, high school junior Jade would rather participate in the school's amazing Study Abroad program than join Women to Women, a mentorship program for at-risk girls. "Acclaimed author Renee Watson offers a powerful story about a girl striving for success in a world that too often seems like it's trying to break her. Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she's ever going to succeed. Her mother tells her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. And Jade has: every day she rides the bus away from her friends and to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but where she has plenty of opportunities. But some opportunities she doesn't really welcome, like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for "at-risk" girls. Just because her mentor is black and graduated from the same high school doesn't mean she understands where Jade is coming from. She's tired of being singled out as someone who needs help, someone people want to fix. Jade wants to speak, to create, to express her joys and sorrows, her pain and her hope. Maybe there are some things she could show other women about understanding the world and finding ways to be real, to make a difference.".
F Wil
Williams, Katie, 1978- author. Tell the machine goodnight.
Pearl's job is to make people happy. Every day, she provides customers with personalized recommendations for greater contentment. She's good at her job, her office manager tells her, successful. But how does one measure an emotion? Meanwhile, there's Pearl's teenage son, Rhett. A sensitive kid who has forged an unconventional path through adolescence, Rhett seems to find greater satisfaction in being unhappy. The very rejection of joy is his own kind of "pursuit of happiness." As his mother, Pearl wants nothing more than to help Rhett--but is it for his sake or for hers? Certainly it would make Pearl happier. Regardless, her son is one person whose emotional life does not fall under the parameters of her job--not as happiness technician, and not as mother, either.-Amazon.
SC D
The Daniel Defoe Collection : The Life and strange surprising adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner; The farther adventures of Robinson Crusoe; A journal of the plague year; Moll Flanders. South Carolina, USA, : August 2020.
SC L
Link, Kelly, author. Get in trouble : stories. Random House trade paperback edition.
The summer people -- I can see right through you -- Secret identity -- Valley of the girls -- Origin story -- The lesson -- The new boyfriend -- Two houses -- Light. A collection of short stories features tales of a young girl who plays caretaker to mysterious guests at the cottage behind her house and a former teen idol who becomes involved in a bizarre reality show.
SC P
Packer, ZZ. Drinking coffee elsewhere. 1st Riverhead trade pbk. ed. New York : Riverhead Books, 2004, ℗♭2003.
Brownies -- Every tongue shall confess -- Our Lady of Peace -- The ant of the self -- Drinking coffee elsewhere -- Speaking in tongues -- Geese -- Doris is coming. Discovered by The New Yorker, Packer "forms a constellation of young black experience"* whether she's writing from the perspective of a church-going black woman who has a crisis in faith, a young college student at Yale, or a young black man unwillingly accompanying his father to the Million Man March. This universally appealing collection of short fiction has already established ZZ Packer as "a writer to watch.".
SC S
Sedaris, David, author. Calypso. First edition.
When he buys a beach house on the Carolina coast, David Sedaris envisions long, relaxing vacations spent playing board games and lounging in the sun with those he loves most. And life at the Sea Section, as he names the vacation home, is exactly as idyllic as he imagined, except for one tiny, vexing realization: it's impossible to take a vacation from yourself. Sedaris sets his powers of observation toward middle age and mortality, that vertiginous moment when your own body betrays you and you realize that the story of your life is made up of more past than future.
SC S
Sedaris, David, author. Let's explore diabetes with owls. First Back Bay paperback edition, June 2014.
From the perils of French dentistry to the eating habits of the Australian kookaburra, from the squat-style toilets of Beijing to the particular wilderness of a North Carolina Costco, we learn about the absurdity and delight of a curious traveler's experiences. Whether railing against the habits of litterers in the English countryside or marveling over a disembodied human arm in a taxidermist's shop, Sedaris takes us on side-splitting adventures that are not to be forgotten.
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