Wednesday 3 April 2013

Book Review Time!




Here we are, the first Wednesday of the month! I've been sent two books to review. Both very different from one another. But variety =  spice!

The first book I'm looking at is called Climate Myths: The campaign against climate science. I was intrigued, what with the fooferaw in the media, the Tea Party that tries to influence Republican voters who choose
Dr. John J. Berger.
not to believe in science, who do not believe in evolution, either. Those who eschew science for those hateful, hurtful e-mails, websites, Facebook images, that circulate amongst the ignorant.

It is an easy read. The first chapters explain the companies, lobby groups, and individuals who are attacking Climate Change. They are, of course, backed by big business, who find it in their best interests to keep on polluting, debunking pure science, and clear cutting, for profit.
Chapter 3 specifically breaks down ten climate myths.
It's not a big book, at 64 pages of actual text, there is a rigorous appendix, with excellent references (texts, journals, and URLs), as well as an index. If you are keen on this topic, it clearly illustrates how we are manipulated by those who pretend to be experts.
(March 1, 2013) - Press Release - Climate Skepticism Rises in California.pdf  
(BERKELEY, CA) — March 1, 2013 — Even though the nation has recently been hit by extreme drought, floods, and Superstorm Sandy, a new Field Poll shows skepticism about global warming has risen sharply among California voters since 2007. A third of those polled in 2013 oppose taking action on climate change in contrast to only about a fifth in 2007. Simultaneously, opposition to California's landmark cap 'n trade climate law  has risen to one in four registered voters polled.


The second book has no plot, no characters, setting, but it has a lot of digits!

On-line sample page
It is, in fact, a games book, teacher edition. By Rich Rollo, they are Number Cross Puzzles,  Now, as a retired teacher, I loved teaching math and math puzzles. You either love math, including puzzles, or hate them!

For your kids who were math whizzes, this is the kind of thing you could toss them, and they'd love it! In fact, when I was teaching creative writing in Beaver Creek Minimum Security Penitentiary, I would bring in photocopies of puzzles. The thing is that the copyright states, 'All rights reserved...including photocopying'... As a teacher, I'd do just that: copy these puzzles, and have the kids do them in teams. You have to!

I often take puzzle books with me when I sit with my hospice clients. It keeps my brain active, and whiles away the time. I had a client who would sit and do crosswords. He was an inspiration.

Since using the puzzles in his Oak Park, Illinois classroom for many years, Rollo credits his students for the book's creation, saying, “They were the ones to really push me and motivate me to publish it.” Designed for ages 8 and up, this collection of number puzzles includes a variety of skill levels, satisfying novices and experts alike. All the answers are provided on separate pages, so you can see how well you do.

“As a teacher, I find these number cross puzzles are a perfect way to challenge students to use problem solving skills in a quick format. As an adult, I find the puzzles a fun, satisfying, and quick challenge to keep my brain well-oiled.” --Lynzy, Amazon


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@Barrie Summy

4 comments:

Powell River Books said...

When I taught I used lots of puzzles and games to teach and reinforce concepts in reading, language and math. Learning needs to be fun. I do book reviews once in a while, I'll check out your link. - Margy

Sarah Laurence said...

The biggest puzzle for me is trying to understand how anyone can believe bogus science. It is indeed the same group that calls evolution a myth.

Red said...

This old math teacher used games more than puzzles. This old language arts teacher used crossword puzzles and I still do crosswords.

Barrie said...

I keep trivia cards, hangman and other games in the car. I'm surprised that even the teens will pick them up and get involved. So, a book of math puzzles might be a good addition!