A climatologist and commentator for Minnesota Public Radio offers a close-up look at the unique weather patterns of Minnesota, furnishing historical details, entertaining facts, scientific analysis, and records as he describes the seasonal weather changes in the state. Original.

"Land of the worldÆs largest prairie chicken, birthplace of Spam, and home of the worldÆs oldest rock, this is Minnesota, where summers are short, winters are long, and back-road wonders abound. This entertaining guide wastes no time with descriptions of scenic lakes, pristine bike trails, or quaint cafTs. Instead it directs travelers (and residents) to the spot where Tiny Tim strummed his last notes on the ukulele; to the Cold Spring chapel where two grasshoppers bow down to the Virgin Mary; and to the McLeod County Museum, where the mummy on display could be from Peru or outer space. While ordinary tourists are fighting off mosquitoes in the Boundary Waters, oddball travelers can size up the worldÆs largest ear of corn and admire the fourth Zamboni ever built. And one last thing: there arenÆt 10,000 lakes in Minnesota; there are 14,215. For travelers who are in search of the unusual, there is no better reason to park the bike and hiking boots in the garage, fill up the gas tank, and hit the road to Minnesota, where weirdness awaits."

Don’t even think about turning 50 without this book! A compilation of short articles, musings and reminiscences written by experts and celebrities from all walks of life on the subject of turning 50. Includes valuable information on important medical tests, estate planning, insurance strategies, as well as a healthy dose of poetry and humor. A partial list of contributors includes Garrison Keillor, humorist; Bobbi Brown, beauty expert; Wendy Wasserstein, playwright; Robert Thurman, Buddhist scholar; Diane von Furstenberg, clothing designer; Taressa Stovall, belly dancer; Kat Lane, astrologist; Gary Jobson, America’s Cup winner; and Lorna Wendt, philanthropist. Everything you should know and a lot more that will make you laugh and think. A “must read

Examines Japanese thought through the traditions of Shinto, Buddhism, Confucianism, liberalism, nationalism, and socialism from earliest times to the present

Presents a collection of anecdotes about the relationships between dogs and humans and dogs and other animals, and offers tips for training and caring for dogs

From Merlin to Copperfield, magicians have been baffling crowds for centuries. Now you too can learn tricks that are guaranteed to mesmerize any audience. Including an array of dazzling tricks, and step-by-step illustrations, you will learn everything from simple sleight-of-hand tricks to advanced illusions and deceptions. This guide to the secrets of some of the world's greatest magicians will keep your audience bewitched, baffled and bewildered! Learn how to perform over 100 magic tricks from the man who worked a combined 40 years with all-time greats Houdini, Thurston and Blackstone.

Provides descriptions in the second person of what it is like to experience a variety of dangerous events, from wilderness disasters, medical emergencies, and everyday accidents to execution.