Library Notes
Paul Birkhead
LIBRARY NOTES: BASEBALL
PAUL BIRKHEAD – JUNE 24, 2012
The game of baseball is an American invention dating back to the mid-1800s. Over the years, baseball has become so engrained in American culture that it is considered the national pastime. Although it has had to weather some rough times (think steroids and strikes), baseball still remains popular. Many people are fascinated by different aspects of the game, such as its history and the lives of its players. This is evident by the number of items Rowan Public Library has on its shelves pertaining to the subject of baseball.
Many library patrons check out baseball books in order to learn how to play the game better. A popular book is Baseball: How to Play the Game, put out by Major League Baseball. Inside the book are clear, well-illustrated explanations on the art of fielding, batting, and pitching. Whether you’re a coach or a player, there are numerous tips on how the pros play the game.
If the history of baseball interests you, Bert Sugar’s Baseball Hall of Fame book is sure to keep you turning pages. Beautifully illustrated, with fascinating vignettes of players and artifacts, this book showcases the collection of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. If you’re not expecting to be in Cooperstown, NY any time soon, looking through this book is the next best thing to actually being there at the Hall of Fame. You may have a favorite player who’s in the Hall of Fame or is certain to end up there. If so, chances are that the library might have a biography about him. Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, and Lou Gehrig are just some of the legends that you can read more about.
Baseball is also the subject of many novels that you’ll find at the library. One of the newest is John Grisham’s Calico Joe. While not his usual legal fiction thriller, Grisham’s book still manages to spin a fascinating tale of the son of a major league pitcher whose life is turned upside down by a tragic event that occurs on the field.
Rowan Public Library has an extensive DVD collection and there are several that have to do with baseball. Some of the most popular are Field of Dreams, Fever Pitch, The Natural, A League of Their Own, and even last year’s Oscar nominee, Moneyball.
Stop by Rowan P
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Gretchen Beilfuss Witt
June 12, 2012
Medical Marvels
William and Helen Bynum have put together a completely fascinating study of the history of medicine in their “Great Discoveries in Medicine.” Illustrated with medieval paintings, 18th century anatomical drawings, x-ray photographs, portraits and political cartoons, it is a spectacular collection of the progress of medical practice. Specific sections describe the discovery and use of medicines – quinine the juice of the cinchona bark, a tree native to South America for malaria; digitalis, a distillation of the foxglove flower for dropsy; the healing mould penicillin for infection. Other sections discuss the tools of the trade. The stethoscope, the iconographic tool of the physician, was invented in 1816 by French physician Laennec. A number of improvements over the next seven decades bring it closer to its modern cousin. Hypodermic syringes, x-ray machines, thermometers and sphygmomanometers all have a spotlight. Eastern and Western medicines from ancient to modern are examined in these short, very readable articles. From the first description of surgery written in hieratic script on Egyptian papyrus to the latest in insulin and hip replacement surgery this volume is sure to captivate.
“Spinoff” is a report on the technology developed by NASA that has been transformed for use on Planet Earth. An amazing catalog of the marvels originally created to sustain the astronauts in outer space. For example, based in part on Space Shuttle fuel pump technology, a tiny implantable heart pump has been developed that will keep a heart beating until a transplant can be accomplished. Due to the distance from Earth to Moon, the space program had to develop medical help that could be administered by non-doctors in emergency situations as well as being highly portable and small. Now a briefcase size box which contains ventilators, heart monitors IV pumps with screens, operating systems and power supplies is being used on the battlefield and in remote places like the polar icecaps. Other chapters include improvements and technological innovations in Transportation, Public Safety, Energy and Environment conservation, Information Technology and Industrial Productivity. Take a look at the less well-known benefits of the NASA Space and Shuttle programs.
A couple other new books promoting good health and medical practice are also worth a look. An updated and revised version of the very popular “Our bodies, Ourselves” is candid and discusses a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns from body image to current health care reform. Katy Bowman’s “Every Woman’s Guide to Foot Pain Relief” is a quick, fun read with clear illustrations, exercises and practical suggestions for discovering and improving your own foot health. From medical history to medical marvels from heart to foot, check out our excellent selection in new medical science books.
June 12, 2012
Medical Marvels
William and Helen Bynum have put together a completely fascinating study of the history of medicine in their “Great Discoveries in Medicine.” Illustrated with medieval paintings, 18th century anatomical drawings, x-ray photographs, portraits and political cartoons, it is a spectacular collection of the progress of medical practice. Specific sections describe the discovery and use of medicines – quinine the juice of the cinchona bark, a tree native to South America for malaria; digitalis, a distillation of the foxglove flower for dropsy; the healing mould penicillin for infection. Other sections discuss the tools of the trade. The stethoscope, the iconographic tool of the physician, was invented in 1816 by French physician Laennec. A number of improvements over the next seven decades bring it closer to its modern cousin. Hypodermic syringes, x-ray machines, thermometers and sphygmomanometers all have a spotlight. Eastern and Western medicines from ancient to modern are examined in these short, very readable articles. From the first description of surgery written in hieratic script on Egyptian papyrus to the latest in insulin and hip replacement surgery this volume is sure to captivate.
“Spinoff” is a report on the technology developed by NASA that has been transformed for use on Planet Earth. An amazing catalog of the marvels originally created to sustain the astronauts in outer space. For example, based in part on Space Shuttle fuel pump technology, a tiny implantable heart pump has been developed that will keep a heart beating until a transplant can be accomplished. Due to the distance from Earth to Moon, the space program had to develop medical help that could be administered by non-doctors in emergency situations as well as being highly portable and small. Now a briefcase size box which contains ventilators, heart monitors IV pumps with screens, operating systems and power supplies is being used on the battlefield and in remote places like the polar icecaps. Other chapters include improvements and technological innovations in Transportation, Public Safety, Energy and Environment conservation, Information Technology and Industrial Productivity. Take a look at the less well-known benefits of the NASA Space and Shuttle programs.
A couple other new books promoting good health and medical practice are also worth a look. An updated and revised version of the very popular “Our bodies, Ourselves” is candid and discusses a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns from body image to current health care reform. Katy Bowman’s “Every Woman’s Guide to Foot Pain Relief” is a quick, fun read with clear illustrations, exercises and practical suggestions for discovering and improving your own foot health. From medical history to medical marvels from heart to foot, check out our excellent selection in new medical science books.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Library Notes
Amy Notarius
Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of the summer travel season. If you’re headed to the beach soon, or even if you’d just like to learn more about North Carolina’s coastal areas, Rowan Public Library has some great books to check out.
A new edition of Peter Meyer’s “Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast” was released in 2010. Originally published in 1991, the text was updated several times during the title’s ten printings from 1991 to 2007. In his introduction, Meyer describes his work as an entertaining, informative, easy-to-read reference for coastal residents, visitors, and vacationers.
‘Nature Guide’ offers descriptions, black and white drawings, and full color photographs to help you identify the common birds, crabs, shells, and fish you’ll find in the coastal environment. From the Great Blue Heron to the tiny Marsh Crab, Meyer tells which species are most common in this area and describes their habitats and distinguishing features.
Meyer practices medicine in Wilmington and is also a naturalist. He uses common names to identify animals and plants, but in many cases also includes scientific names. Descriptions of anatomy and life cycles are also more scientific in nature, but Meyer makes a point of including many general, and often fascinating, facts and figures. (Did you know cockle shells have been on earth for at least 65 million years?!)
The 2012 publication of ‘Insider’s Guide to North Carolina’s Outer Banks’ marks the 31st edition of this popular travel guide. It includes helpful information on accommodations, restaurants, and shopping. This work really excels, however, in tracing the history and development of the different areas that make up the Outer Banks. Another highlight is the list of annual events, from arts and pirate festivals to surfing championships and fishing tournaments.
If fishing is an interest of yours, check out ‘Fishing North Carolina’ by Mike Marsh. Marsh begins with a section describing North Carolina’s freshwater and saltwater fish species and the best fishing techniques for each one. In the next section, Marsh tries out every fishing spot he can find, travelling from mountain lakes and streams, across the piedmont, and down the coast. For each area, he indicates which fish species are most prevalent, the best times of year, and the best ways (boat, pier) to fish there.
Get a start on summer fun by checking out these and more outdoor guides from Rowan Public Library today.
Amy Notarius
Amy Notarius
Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of the summer travel season. If you’re headed to the beach soon, or even if you’d just like to learn more about North Carolina’s coastal areas, Rowan Public Library has some great books to check out.
A new edition of Peter Meyer’s “Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast” was released in 2010. Originally published in 1991, the text was updated several times during the title’s ten printings from 1991 to 2007. In his introduction, Meyer describes his work as an entertaining, informative, easy-to-read reference for coastal residents, visitors, and vacationers.
‘Nature Guide’ offers descriptions, black and white drawings, and full color photographs to help you identify the common birds, crabs, shells, and fish you’ll find in the coastal environment. From the Great Blue Heron to the tiny Marsh Crab, Meyer tells which species are most common in this area and describes their habitats and distinguishing features.
Meyer practices medicine in Wilmington and is also a naturalist. He uses common names to identify animals and plants, but in many cases also includes scientific names. Descriptions of anatomy and life cycles are also more scientific in nature, but Meyer makes a point of including many general, and often fascinating, facts and figures. (Did you know cockle shells have been on earth for at least 65 million years?!)
The 2012 publication of ‘Insider’s Guide to North Carolina’s Outer Banks’ marks the 31st edition of this popular travel guide. It includes helpful information on accommodations, restaurants, and shopping. This work really excels, however, in tracing the history and development of the different areas that make up the Outer Banks. Another highlight is the list of annual events, from arts and pirate festivals to surfing championships and fishing tournaments.
If fishing is an interest of yours, check out ‘Fishing North Carolina’ by Mike Marsh. Marsh begins with a section describing North Carolina’s freshwater and saltwater fish species and the best fishing techniques for each one. In the next section, Marsh tries out every fishing spot he can find, travelling from mountain lakes and streams, across the piedmont, and down the coast. For each area, he indicates which fish species are most prevalent, the best times of year, and the best ways (boat, pier) to fish there.
Get a start on summer fun by checking out these and more outdoor guides from Rowan Public Library today.
Amy Notarius
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Library Notes
Rebecca Hyde – May 29, 2012
The word “armchair” first appeared in print around 1625-1635. Since then it has attached itself to expressions such as “armchair football coach,” “armchair strategist,” or armchair authority.” All are rather belittling with regard to the person’s secondhand experience. “Armchair traveler” is different. It describes a reading experience: who can deny the attraction of a comfortable chair (with arms) and a good book? It’s also a handy expression for those of us who will never travel with a donkey through France (“Travels with a Donkey through the Cevennes” by Robert Louis Stevenson), cross South America by train (“The Old Patagonian Express” by Paul Theroux), or journey through the Holy Land on horseback (“The Innocents Abroad” by Mark Twain).
The following books are not the standard, practical, and detailed guides to planning itineraries. They are “armchair” travel guides, offering background reading, the pleasure of good literature, and experience through daydreaming of places we may never be able, or really want to visit.
“Grand Tours and Cook’s Tours: A History of Leisure Travel 1750 to 1915” by Lynne Withey describes the change in travel, from the Grand Tour of Europe to travel by the masses. There were changes in the technology of travel, motivation for traveling, and the choices of sites worth visiting. Tourists are distinguished from travelers and explorers. Withey defines “tourism,” without disparagement, as “leisure travel.”
“Italian Days” by Barbara Grizutti Harrison is a good example of a literary travel journal. It’s a memoir with references to the travel experiences and comments of other writers. While talking about the anarchy of traffic in Rome, Harrison turns street information into a cultural essay.
Another example of the travel memoir is by an American who is taking leave after two decades of life in Great Britain. “Notes from a Small Island: An Affectionate Portrait of Britain” by Bill Bryson emphasizes the juxtaposition of contemporary life and historical setting, tying the two together with his reactions and musings as he follows his very personal itinerary through the country.
And for those people for whom a place name brings on a travel daydream, there is “The Travellers’ Dictionary of Quotation: Who Said What, About Where?” by Peter Yapp. Look up “Patagonia,” or spend time browsing through several hundred pages on the British Isles.
Rebecca Hyde – May 29, 2012
The word “armchair” first appeared in print around 1625-1635. Since then it has attached itself to expressions such as “armchair football coach,” “armchair strategist,” or armchair authority.” All are rather belittling with regard to the person’s secondhand experience. “Armchair traveler” is different. It describes a reading experience: who can deny the attraction of a comfortable chair (with arms) and a good book? It’s also a handy expression for those of us who will never travel with a donkey through France (“Travels with a Donkey through the Cevennes” by Robert Louis Stevenson), cross South America by train (“The Old Patagonian Express” by Paul Theroux), or journey through the Holy Land on horseback (“The Innocents Abroad” by Mark Twain).
The following books are not the standard, practical, and detailed guides to planning itineraries. They are “armchair” travel guides, offering background reading, the pleasure of good literature, and experience through daydreaming of places we may never be able, or really want to visit.
“Grand Tours and Cook’s Tours: A History of Leisure Travel 1750 to 1915” by Lynne Withey describes the change in travel, from the Grand Tour of Europe to travel by the masses. There were changes in the technology of travel, motivation for traveling, and the choices of sites worth visiting. Tourists are distinguished from travelers and explorers. Withey defines “tourism,” without disparagement, as “leisure travel.”
“Italian Days” by Barbara Grizutti Harrison is a good example of a literary travel journal. It’s a memoir with references to the travel experiences and comments of other writers. While talking about the anarchy of traffic in Rome, Harrison turns street information into a cultural essay.
Another example of the travel memoir is by an American who is taking leave after two decades of life in Great Britain. “Notes from a Small Island: An Affectionate Portrait of Britain” by Bill Bryson emphasizes the juxtaposition of contemporary life and historical setting, tying the two together with his reactions and musings as he follows his very personal itinerary through the country.
And for those people for whom a place name brings on a travel daydream, there is “The Travellers’ Dictionary of Quotation: Who Said What, About Where?” by Peter Yapp. Look up “Patagonia,” or spend time browsing through several hundred pages on the British Isles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)