Books in the Wild

Greetings from ANJEE

2011-01-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's that time of year again, there's snow, there's ice, so there must be ANJEE. Okay, there's not always winter weather when we travel to see our friends in New Jersey at the annual conference for Environmental Education, but we certainly remember the years when the weather has turned white. This was certainly one of them with the conference preceded by piles of snow and nowhere to park.

NASA's Climate Kids Makes Global Warming Fun!

2010-11-11T07:45:00.000-05:00

Well it doesn't actually make global warming fun, but it makes learning about it fun and proves that even kids are smart enough to see this phenomenon is actually happening. Includes activities for kids, information on Green careers, teachers resources, and more. I just added the link to my page of books on Environment Issues and Action. You can visit there for this and other great links to free online materials. Click here to visit Climate Kids.

MAEOE Early Registration

2010-10-26T14:29:00.000-05:00

Last year Randy's Books made our first appearance at the MAEOE Conference after YEARS of promising to try next year. We made lots of new friends and met some old ones who were as surprised to see us as we were them. We plan to be there again this year. Do you? It's a great EE conference if you're in Maryland, or any other place on Planet Earth for that matter. Register NOW!
Check out the MAEOE Conference page here.

Great Insect Web Page

2010-10-10T12:17:00.002-05:00

I just added a link on my Insect and Arthropod page to a great resource for... well insects and arthropods.
You'll find tons and tons of insect photos on the Bug Guide. In their own words:
"We are an online community of naturalists who enjoy learning about and sharing our observations of insects, spiders, and other related creatures.
We enjoy the opportunity to instill in others the fascination and appreciation that we share for the intricate lives of these oft-maligned creatures."
I especially like the clickable guide that gets you started with a simple line drawing of the type of creature you're looking for... or at. Click HERE and enjoy.

Wild About Waterfowl

2010-08-24T15:19:00.001-05:00

I attended a great workshop at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. Presenters Bert Myers and Theresa Alberici along with other Game Commission specialists put on a tremendous program. In the morning we all got hands-on with waterfowl, mostly Wood Ducks and this one Mallard, and in the afternoon in the classroom had a tour of species, a population counting exercise, and of course TONS of resources. I'll be taking a good look at my waterfowl titles and of course looking for more. Look for some new links to free materials in the web calendar (at the bottom of each topic page there are links to free materials). In this case birds and/or habitat may be updated soon.
And click HERE for over a hundred pictures of the event. If I get the chance I'll be adding captions and weeding some out. Enjoy

Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards

2010-07-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

Check out the draft of the new framework for new standards. Feedback is sought by August 2. Draft and other materials can be found here.
This project funded with generous support from the Carnegie Corporation is to develop a framework to guide the development of new science education standards. The project will be led by a committee of experts in the scientific disciplines, cognitive science, learning theory, and educational policy. The framework developed by the committee will identify and articulate the core ideas in science in the disciplines of life sciences, physical sciences, earth and space sciences, and engineering and technology, cross cutting ideas and scientific practices. The committee will draw on current research on science learning as well as research and evaluation evidence related to standards-based education reform. This will include existing efforts to specify central ideas for science education including the National Science Education Standards, AAAS’s Science for All Americans and Benchmarks for Science Literacy, the 2009 NAEP Science Framework, and the redesign of the AP science courses by the College Board.

Pennsylvania Geology vol 40 no 1

2010-06-24T21:07:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest copy of Pennsylvania Geology. Learn about Mammoth Spring, the third largest spring in PA. What county is it in? Read the article to find out.
Also check out a geological primer on organic geochemistry using the Geochemistry of the Marcellus Shale.

Acid Test: Acidification of Our Oceans

2010-04-04T08:10:00.001-05:00

Check out this full-length short movie narrated by Sigourney Weaver on the problem with the growing acidity of our oceans.

View the Movie Here

Excellent Bird Resource

2010-03-21T20:04:00.001-05:00

Just added the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to the links at the bottom of the bird page on my online catalog. If you haven’t noticed these before the bottom of each topical page of books includes some links to free resources. To check this one out go to Randy’s Books now!

Chesapeake Bay Resource

2010-02-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

Check out this great resource for environmental education resources and opportunities relating to the Chesapeake Bay, baybackpack.com.

Take an Autumn Hike Right Now.

2009-11-14T13:36:00.000-05:00

Click on the movie below to preview the beautiful art in Count Down to Fall, a new book I just listed in my online catalog.

Price on Dragonflies DVD drops $5

2009-07-23T19:09:00.003-05:00

It's not too often we have news like this, but our latest shipment of this great DVD of Common Dragonflies and Damselflies of Eastern North America came in listed at $19.95. That means our normal discount price dropped to $17.95! What a deal! You can find it in our online catalog here.

Botany of Desire

2009-07-20T19:28:00.003-05:00

Have you read _The Botany of Desire_ by Michael Pollan? Let us know what you think here. If you haven't, you might enjoy reading how he takes four plants and talks about them from their perspective, examining how particular, and surprising, characteristics of them caused humans to do their bidding, spreading them around the world.
Find it on my online catalog here.

Salt Marsh Safari

2009-06-10T18:05:00.003-05:00

We were able to get a few days off and visit Ocean City, NJ last week for a wonderful time! You can check out our photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/renewcomer/2009OceanCityNJ#. A good number of the photos are of a great tour through the salt marsh near Cape May with folks we got to know at this year's ANJEE conference. Captain Ginny said come down some time, so we did. We enjoyed over two hours with Captain Ed and crew piloting us around visiting Osprey, lots and lots of gulls, crabs, and all kinds of wildlife. Check them out at www.skimmer.com.
That's Jolene in the middle of the picture in the hat and binoculars.

Jeff's Children and Nature Blog

2009-02-01T15:14:00.002-05:00

Jeff Hoagland is a good friend even though our contact is limited to once or twice a year at Environmental Education conferences. You may have met him if you go to PAEE or ANJEE events. If you did and got to talking you know that he is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Long-time Education Director of Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association, Jeff now has a blog on "sharing the joy and wonder of nature with children" at http://www.packetinsider.com/blog/kids_nature/. Check it out. Like me, you'll be able to enjoy conversations with Jeff more than twice a year and benefit from his own overwhelming joy and wonder of nature.

2009 ANJEE

2009-01-31T10:02:00.002-05:00

We're on the road again with our annual visit to Princeton, NJ for the Association for New Jersey Environmental Education conference. Having a great time as usual catching up with friends and being inspired by the stories of what they're doing. This is our first bookselling since last Spring, so it felt a little bit like a rebirth. More to follow...

Sustainable Living Resources

2008-05-11T14:01:00.003-05:00

Check out www.nwei.org the Northwest Earth Institute for some great resources on Sustainability, Global Warming and other HOT (sorry, had to say that) topics. I'm going to take a look at getting some folks together for a discussion course or so. Why don't you check it out.

Make Your Own USB Telescope from Camera Telephoto

2008-02-13T14:56:00.004-05:00

How-To. Build your own telescopic spy cam....... @ Yahoo! Video

Geological Adventures in Bedford County

2007-07-29T11:51:00.000-05:00

So Jolene and I had a bit of time to kill Friday on our way back from Somerset. Well we killed more than we should have and were late for the retirement party we were attending in the evening at the Allenberry Resort. What did we find so interesting?

Well first we stopped at the Jean Bonnet Tavern along Route 30 just west of Bedford. We ate in the tavern where we both had the Bison Burgers which feature bison from the nearby Bison Corral which we did not have time to visit. The food was great and they had a good selection of microbrew and small brewery beer. Since this was a geology trip we also were entertained by some roadwork just outside our window (mineral resource activity). After a quick stop with the goats, chickens, herb gardens, and gift shop just outside we headed on.

Our next stop was Coral Caverns in Mann's Choice, PA. We had some trouble finding it and I spent too much time swapping information with the operator so it's probably to blame for us being late for the party. It was a small cave by most public tour standards, but fun and well worth it particularly for the unique fossilized coral wall.

As you can tell by the misty photo of me standing at the cave's entrance it was a damp and drippy day. Next we travelled just a bit to the north to Gravity Hill. I arrived pretty skeptical after reading about this phenomenon on its own very nicely designed web page, but I was soon won over. If you go to the web page and print the very helpful directions it leads you to this very remote narrow country road. Pass the first GH on the road and proceed downhill to the Start line. There you put your vehicle in neutral and it will begin to very distinctly drift backwards up the hill. There was another vehicle waiting, so we didn't go the whole way or we would have eventually reached a pretty good speed. We also didn't get out and pour water on the road which is also suggested on the web page. We did however go up the road to a second such spot and experience it again. It was a real hoot and a must visit if you are in the area. It didn't make me a believer, but was alot of fun for free!

Promised Beach Pictures... sort of

2007-07-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

Hey it's Mister Taffy! Well you can tell what I do at the shore. You didn't think is was lie on the beach in the sun was it?

Well, Jolene wouldn't pose with Mr. Taffy. Maybe if it had been someone in a Macks Pizza costume.

Anyway, I promised a photo that I took at the beach the other week and here it is. We've been on some other adventures that I'll need to report on, so I had to get this one out of the way.

Stay tuned for Gravity Hill and other adventures with geology!

Look Up

2007-07-25T07:52:00.000-05:00

I've actually gotten out with my telescope at least three times in the past few months. That about doubles my use of it since I got it, so it still takes some fiddling with it to find my way around. That's the fun part of it though, I could have gotten a slightly smaller scope with a fancy computerized finder system, but what's the point of that?

The biggest frustration is the light pollution and it's difficult to see any of the really cool deep sky objects from my back yard. Anyway, it's still fun and I guess I found the comet I was looking for... it was just difficult to make out once I located it. I'll have to figure out how to get to some really dark part of the country and spend a night or two... and then the weather has to cooperate. I always said that astronomy was one of my favorite hobbies because you don't have to feel too bad about neglecting it. Half the nights are cloudy and most of the rest the moon's too bright.

Btw, the pic is of me when I got the scope so it's not quite up to date. Gio is much better behaved and wouldn't need a leash on to pose anymore. And of course I've lost weight, gotten even younger looking, and the grass is perfect in the yard. Well, on the internet anything is possible.

Books at the Shore

2007-07-07T20:51:00.000-05:00

Even folks who aren't book people seem to connect a day at beach and books. So after a number of years at other beaches we're spending some quality time at our long-time favorite, Ocean City, NJ. Someone we know didn't have their place rented this week and gave us a deal we couldn't refuse... and here we are!!! (And with free wireless internet and digital flatscreen tv's to boot!)
We just came in off the beach a block away from watching the fireworks that were conveniently postponed from the 4th. We spent the day in town hitting our favorite shops and yes... that includes buying some books. Yes, we could get them wholesale, but we always find something to buy at the independent bookstores when we travel. They need all the help they can get. Follow our example. If you aren't buying your books at www.randysbooks.com just who are you supporting? If it's another independent we not only forgive you, but encourage you!
Anyway, I'll try to post some pictures (of the beach... not the books)

BTW, the books we got?
Jolene: A Pedigree to Die For, Laurien Berenson; Death of the Party, Carolyn Hart; S is for Silence, Sue Grafton (the Shore and mysteries go together); The Pleasures of Tea, Kim Waller; and The Bridge, Gay Talese.
Randy: The Pine Barrens, John McPhee; The Man Who Ate Everything, Jeffrey Steingarten, and Teach Yourself Visually: Guitar.
We got the new ones at Sun Rose Books and most of them used at Bookateria... where we trade books and have a zillion dollars credit since we always turn more in than we buy. You still have to pay a service charge per book, so we support them by providing inventory and sales.

Thanks Mr. Vonnegut

2007-04-12T20:45:00.000-05:00

A quick note with sadness on the passing of Kurt Vonnegut Jr., undoubtedly my favorite author. It began when a few of us passed around a dog-eared copy of Cat's Cradle in high school like it was some forbidden sleazy novel. I think I probably have every one of his books and what's really more important have read every one but maybe one of the later ones, which now I'll obviously have to do.

It's strange that I was always a lover of science fiction, but never really considered the books science fiction. They were more like an extension of reality that better explained what was really going on in this world.

Anyway, I'll miss you. It's notable that you left us the day before what I heard today is officially "Drop everything and read" book. I guess in your inimitable way you did. Thank you for all the good reading.

ANJEE 2007

2007-02-17T16:00:00.000-05:00

Hi to all of you who attended the 2007 ANJEE Confrerence at Princeton February 1st through the 3rd. Hopefully you had a great time there. We did as always. In addition to taking care of cashier's duty, she also enjoyed meeting an online friend and dog who lives in the area and came over to visit. Apparently many conference-goers enjoyed the visit from the dog as well. We've had it lined up in the future, but we intend to add a small inventory of dog books, some of Jolene's favorites and some bargain titles we come across. Be sure to watch the web site and sign up for our free email updates.

I enjoyed helping Jeff Hoagland with what has become their annual book discussion workshop. I was inspired to seek out some of the authors that always come up and will be adding them to the online catalog. If you have a favorite new or classic environmental ed title or author, let me know. Maybe we can continue the discussion here.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T17:49:00.000-05:00

It was a wet... thats rain, not snow in the sky... but fun New Year's celebrated with a pretty good crowd of some other nutty folks in Akron, PA. The choice of a symbolic item to drop at midnight was a shoe, representing a now missing shoe industry (that's an enlarged view of the 6-foot shoe in the top corner). The biggest thing going on in town these days is that it's the home of Mennonite Central Committee and some other related organizations. I guess it might have been in poor taste to drop a Mennonite... so the shoe was the next logical choice, I guess.

Only problem is that we'll now be waiting all year for the other shoe to drop... as the saying goes.

2006-11-15T14:31:00.000-05:00

The Miniature Earth (With Music)

Just an interesting look at resources that can make you appreciate what you have at the same time you might want to ponder how it is that you wound up with so much.

Relaxing Sounds of Nature

2006-10-18T18:17:00.000-05:00

I used to offer great tapes of nature sounds. Back when we had a real, brick-and-mortar store we used to play them in the background all the time... which explains why you could sneak into the store on a quiet day and catch us sound asleep on the cash register. Anyway, here's a great site where you can mix your own relaxing sounds. Move the sliders up to increase the volume and left to right to move them to the left or right speakers. Cool!

Check it out at http://www.soundsleeping.com/, but don't fall asleep on the keyboard. The computer won't like that.

2006 Governor's Institute

2006-07-29T15:28:00.000-05:00

We're just back from hanging around the PA's Governor's Institute for Environment and Ecology. You can see the Seven Springs resort just behind us as we ascend the mountain for a ride down the alpine slide. Okay, so it wasn't all work.

We did have a really good resorce event, matching a little over a hundred teachers up with loads of books for their classroom. On wednesday we conducted a PA Rock Box workshop. During the whole time there we were impressed with the quality of teachers present, and especially encouraged by the enthusiasm of the new, young faces. There is hope after all!

Have you ever been at one of these events?

New Email Program

2006-04-30T09:05:00.000-05:00

I've started using a new tool to keep in touch with all friends and customers. It's a service that puts together a nice little email, complete with pictures if you receive html email and sends them out to everybody on my list. In the past I have been quite inconsistent in getting things out by email, so I'm hoping that this helps me let you know on a more regular basis what's new at Randy's Books.

You can manage what you receive. I have broken email into three topics. (If you're already on my list, you're signed up for the first two.) You can pick as many as you're interested in. They are:

New Titles Listed: Newly published and/or new to my online catalog. All usually at 10% off.

Bargain Previews: Closeout and remaindered titles that are soon to be listed online, but you get the first shot at them before anyone else can see them online.

Events and Conferences: These emails will let you know where we'll be in PA and NJ as well as any other events of interest in the area.

The service allows you to sign up by clicking on the button on my home page at www.randysbooks.com. Look in the right-hand column. It allows you to control which emails you'd like to receive and a way for you to securely stop them from coming if you like. Each email includes a link at the bottom to change interest areas or opt out... and no, opting out will not just put you on a hundred other lists. It actually does what it says.

I don't share my email list member addresses with anyone else and of course don't sell it to anyone. If you think you hate spam, you should have an email that is on hundreds of pages to be harvested by spammers. I hate it and certainly don't want to proliferate it, so I hope you'll join my list and agree that I'm responsible with the way I handle email that I hope you'll want to keep getting.

2006 PAEE Conference Exhibitor

2006-03-26T18:48:00.000-05:00

I hope all who attended the PAEE Conference on March 23 - 25 in Ligonier had a great time. We sure did! It was great reconnecting with folks, some which we haven't seen since the last PAEE event nearly 2 1/2 years ago. Some of you, of course, we bump into at many other events, but we always have to catch up anyway.
My voice is still a little shaky as I write this, but better. I began losing it thursday night at the opening event and couldn't shut up long enough to give it a rest (occupational hazard).
If you were there, did learn anything helpful, pick up any wonderful materials (like books), or have any other moment of enlightenment to share? Post a comment here and let us know. We'd love to hear from you.

Last Child in the Woods

2006-03-19T13:47:00.000-05:00

Everywhere I go among environmental educators this book is the current buzz. I originally heard the author interviewed on "To the Best of Our Knowledge" on an NPR podcast and knew I wanted to add it to my catalog. I've seen folks with notes filling the columns of the book. It came out ahead of schedule (I think) in paperback, which should only add to the number of folks picking it up. Have you read it? Share your thoughts about it here.

Scott's Return to Wild America

2006-02-12T15:41:00.000-05:00

It was a great pleasure to see Scott Weidensaul again after too many years of missing his appearance here or there. Scott's an old friend, although I'd guess pretty much anyone he meets immediatly feels like one with his warm and accepting personality. Scott was speaking at the Lancaster County Bird Club on Friday night and we made a special effort to attend. Amazingly there are many such great things happening in our area that we rarely have time for. Usually we meet the locals at events hours from home.

Scott spoke on his latest book Return to Wild America where he traces the path that Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher took fifty years ago. That earlier trek resulted in the classic book, Wild America. I corrected an oversight and listed Return to Wild America immediately at www.randysbooks.com. The talk was truly inspirational and was accompanied by color slides that put some of their black and white clones in the book to shame. Scott observes the changes that have happened between the two journeys and notes that there is both reason for celebration and caution. It was a bit unusual to see even Scott's feathers ruffled, but he spoke passionately about some recent attacks on wild areas that undermine some very successful conservation efforts.

Has anybody read both books? I bought a used copy of Wild America after thumbing through a copy in a Maine Bed and Breakfast we were staying in and of course, I picked up a copy of Return to Wild America at the bird club meeting so I could have Scott autograph it. Yes, I know I'm supposed to stay on top of these things and there's no excuse that I didn't already have a copy. Worse than that, I still haven't read my copy of Wild America either. Now I have two more books to read.

Hey, it SNOWED!

2006-02-12T07:40:00.000-05:00

Yes, and that means it's a whole new world for Gio, who yesterday was slipping through the mud. Today of course it means shoveling and romping... mostly romping, followed by a melt-down in the kitchen if he can be restrained there (unlikely). Of course Jolene and Gio are ecstatic. I'm more or less tolerant, though if I could get my hands on a certain groundhog...

Blogging for Books!

2006-02-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

Well, after deciding to do it months ago and not deciding how since then, I've finally created a blog for Randy's Books. I hope it is a convenient way to keep the conversation going for those who I see at events throughout the year and allow those I don't see to join in. Most of what I will post here will relate to Books, of course, that you find in my catalog at www.randysbooks.com, but who knows what else will come up? Come back often and share in the surprise!