Book Description
For more than two years, the New York Timess science and health columnist Anahad OConnor has tracked down the facts, fictions, and occasional fuzziness of old wives tales, conventional-wisdom cures, and other medical mysteries. Now in this lively and fun book, he opens up his case files to disclose the experts answers on everything, from which of your bad habits you can indulge (yo-yo dieting does not mess up your metabolism and sitting too close to the television does not hurt your eyes) to what foods actually pack the punch advertised (you can lay off the beet juice!). A compendium of answers to the curious and nagging questions of how to keep healthy, Never Shower in a Thunderstorm will provide guidance and amusement to anyone who has ever wondered if the mosquitoes really are attacking her more than everyone else. (Yes, they are.) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Pretty poor book
I bought this book to entertain me for a trans-pacific flight, and boy was I disappointed.Most of the questions are answered along the lines of: "Maybe, but it can't hurt to [blah]..."

Nothing is really backed up, and you're just supposed to trust the author.At some point in the book, it was talking about hair loss caused by tight hair styles.And it made the statement of Andre Agassi wearing hats all the time and then suddenly he was bald.So the hats must have caused him to lose his hair. Uh, maybe he wore hats because he had thinning hair?

I was not happy with this purchase at all.

Lacks Sources
About: Facts and myths about health explained. Includes such topics as "Is too much sleep bad for you?" (yes) and "Can you swim right after eating?" (also, yes)

Pros: Quick read, interesting.

Cons: Sources are not cited, a large downside when debunking myths or providing facts.

Grade: B

Fun stuff you can share with friends and family
"Wait half and hour after eating before swimming."

"Cover your head in the winter so you don't catch a cold."

"Cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis."

We've all heard the old wives tales, but which ones are really true? Based on his New York Times column, "Really?," Anahad O'Connor sets out to tell us just that.

In an easy-to-read question and answer format, Never Shower in a Thunderstorm analyzes dozens of commonly held beliefs about health. Some are verified and some are debunked, though which is which may really surprise you. Fully supported by current research and interviews with field experts, O'Connor takes a neutral middle ground, being neither too liberal and "new age-y" nor conservative and cynical in his assessments. His conversational writing style is clever and engaging, as if talking with a witty friend over a coffee or beer. References to current pop culture keep the tone light and entertaining. Several of his answers actually caused me to laugh out loud and read sections to friends.

My only wish would be to have included a bibliography or footnotes for those interested a bit more in the science behind the answers. So many of the research articles O'Connor refers to sounded interesting enough to have warranted reading them firsthand.

Overall, Never Shower in a Thunderstorm is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read for all folks, not just those with a scientific bent.

Armchair Interviews says: True or false? This book will tell you.

Great Fun and Most Informative
This book was great fun to read. Many myths, legends, sayings, old wives' tales, etc., all related in some way to health and life, are either debunked or confirmed - and rationales are provided. The author appears to have researched each topic quite exhaustively - not only through reviewing published papers in the scientific and medical literature but also through interviewing acknowledged experts in each field. The book's writing style is friendly, authoritative and very engaging. But what stands out the most is the author's clever wit and humor; on several occasions I found myself laughing out loud. This is a wonderful book that could be enjoyed by anyone, especially those who have ever pondered the veracity of what may or may not be a bit of misinformation.

Great Answers Plus Fun and Easy to Read
This book by New York Times columnist Anahad O'Connor made me think of two things that were twin fantasies for a long time. First is the old Hercules cartoon from my youth (think 1970's). Remember when Herc would be attacked by some huge monster and it would be smacking him and his little micro-mini toga all over Olympia? Of course it would throw him into the same rock wall as every other episode and Herc would suddenly remember that he had a ring in his belt that makes him invincible, right? (side note: why did he ever take the ring off?) So the monster charges Herc, screaming its horrible hiss, and Herc seems to pause time while he puts on the jewelery - lightening flashing and crashing - then it's game on, mofo, and Herc kicks the creature a new scream-hole.

It's the time-pausing aspect I'm interested in here. Imagine pausing time in a conversation.

Couple that with the newish TV commercial for the cellular phone company that has the subscriber constantly surrounded by his or her "network". Hundreds of people who follow you around at all times; imagine that concept only with hundreds of experts in various fields of science, literature and culture at your beck and call to check your facts and offer up opinions that are based on more than what the weirdos at the bait shop think.

That's what O'Connor's book is. It's like getting up in the morning and all through the day you get asked about urban legends and old wives' tales and silly pseudo-scientific mumbo-jumbo. You though, today, have the ability to Herc-pause time so you can check with your network of experts. You can check your references, cite your sources, and generally have the "smugness of certainty" (as far as science can be certain). It's like Mythbusters, only without the explosions, beret, or unruly moustache.

O'Connor has compiled 221 pages of his NYT Really? column and come up with a nice little book in the same vein as Robert Wolke's What Einstein Told His Barber and Jay Ingram's The Velocity of Honey. It has an easy conversational style that makes you feel like you're having a few beers with David Suzuki or some other notable know-it-all. There are many studies cited and although there are no notes or references, you could certainly check for yourself if the need arose.

Do yourself a favor and pick up Never Shower in a Thunderstorm. It'll make you less likely to get a girlfriend, what with you spitting out random facts like some Tourette's Savant, but you'll know to buy a manual toothbrush with a clear head. And isn't that better in the long run? ...Don't answer that. ... Read more

Book Description
Franklin is terrified of thunderstorms. One day, as a storm approaches, a flash of lightning sends him into his shell. He refuses to come out until his friends make him laugh with their tall tales about cloud giants and how they cause storms. When Beaver explains what really causes lightning and thunder, Franklin begins to feel much safer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very helpful
My 3 yr old son really enjoys this book.At the time we purchased this he was afraid of loud noises.This book has helped to ease his fears.The book is well written and the characters are cute.I would recommend this to anyone.

"WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR BUT FEAR ITSELF."
FRANKLIN AND THE THUNDERSTORM is a colorful, entertaining, imaginative young reader book dealing with a relevant issue--FEAR.We all have them so this young reader book is sure to grab the child's attention.There is conflict and character growth, the formula for a great story a child will remember and ask for again.

Franklin's mother sends a reluctant and nervous turtle dressed in galoshes and a rain hat, carrying an umbrella, over to his friend, Fox's house as a storm begins to brew.When he arrives, there are three other animals there sharing their opinions about the approaching thunderstorm such as: "My fur feels funny," says Fox. "My feathers get all ruffled," says Hawk. "I can smell a storm coming," says Beaver sniffing. No one seems to be scared but Franklin. But he is scared enough for all four of his buddies! The storm hits full force and they all run inside.When the power goes out Franklin is so terrified he retreats inside his shell and no kind of coaxing on anyone's part, even treats from Mrs. Fox, will get him out. So Franklin's friends use their imaginations and begin talking about the CLOUD GIANTS.Whether the Cloud Giants are bowling or playing drums in the sky (thunder,) swinging from chandeliers or turning their lights on and off (lightning,) the illustrations are what make the story so great.Beaver quotes Mr. Owl's factual definition of thunder and Franklin, by this time, is out of his shell and smiling.Fox and his friends go back outside and Franklin discovers a rainbow. What Franklin say at the ending rounds out this very special story.

*You should buy this for the funny illustrations of the Cloud giants and what Franklin says about rainbows alone.Wonderful short story for ages 4-8. I got a set of 4 Franklins in a book club for my young daughter and this is her favorite.

Afraid
It helps children to deal with fears. In this book Franklin is afraid of thunderstorms. His friends help him thru it when they find out and are supported. This is an excellent book for any child that has a fear.

Children Will Enjoy It
Franklin is leary about journeying to his friend Fox's house as an eminent thunderstorm is brewing in the skies above. Through understanding and encouragement from his friends, Franklin learns to deal with the inevitablestorm and gains comfort from his friends.

It really helps deal with the fear of thunderstorms.
This book is very well written.It makes it easy for children of any age to relate to the story.It also shows children that its okay to be afraid and shows ways to deal with that fear. (for parents too)! ... Read more

Product Description
Thunderstorm is a tragic play involving complicated blood relationships and numerous inevitable tragic coincidences that occur in the 1930s in China. It is a dramatic feat with profound connotations and heart-stirring artistry.The story unfolded around Zhou Puyuan, a male character who had been to Germany to study. Cold-blooded, selfish and hypocritical, he was like a dictator of a dark dynasty in his home. Zhou Puyuan is a well-portrayed character in Thunderstorm. All sinful acts were attributable to his domestic autocracy. The profound significance of Thunderstorm lies in its exposure of the close political and ideological bond between Chinese capitalists and the deep-rooted feudal traditions. ... Read more

Book Description
During a big thunderstorm, Mom and Dad find lots of ways to comfort Little Critter and his sister. Mom makes a fun dinner and Dad lights the candles as they both share their wisdom about thunder, lightning—and rainbows! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Sweet, Warm Story
"Just a Thunderstorm" by Gina and Mercer Mayer is intersting in that it's told from the perspective of Little Critter's little sister, rather than Little Critter himself. The two are playing outside when it starts getting windy and their Mom says that a thunderstorm is coming. Sure enough, it starts raining soon, but Little Sister says that she's not scared because there's only a little thunder. A power outage is turned into a campout and for a while things are all right. But when it comes time to go to bed, Little Sister is scared because the thunder is really really loud. Little Sister tries all sorts of things to keep from being scared, but nothing helps. Then, her Dad tells her some of the good things about thunderstorms, but it still doesn't help. Ultimately, Little Sister comes to accept her fear of thunderstorms.

All pages in this book are fully illustrated and the story is fairly short and easy to follow. Kids can read this themselves, or have it read to them. There are a couple of ongoing gags as well to add visual interest.

Great for helping young children process fears
Last night in the midst of a loud and scary storm my two-yearold kept asking me for something. It took me a few minutes tounderstand that she was saying, "Thunder book." So we went to our bookshelves in search of this book, which has been a favorite of hers since it first came into our home. (She also loves her little critter CDrom of "Just Grandma and Me") Last night I read the book three times and my husband read it twice, before my daughter said, "Thunder all gone" and was ready to move on to another book. This is the first time I've seen her use a book to process/normalize fears, and I think it's wonderful. Even though this is supposed to be for the 4-8 year old, all young children are fascinated by storms. The book doesn't minimize the scary aspects, but does give examples of ways of dealing with fear (reading a book, listening to a tape, climbing into bed with a brother) and talks about the positive aspects of thunderstorms (the adventure, roasting marshmallows in the fireplace when the lights go out, splashing in puddles the next day, and the fact that storms help flowers grow).My only complaint is that the children do end up sleeping in their parents room which is something we're currently trying to discourage. But I'm very grateful for this book. ... Read more

Book Description
Thunderstorm, a four-act play by Tsao Yu, one of China's leading playwrights, has held the stage since it was produced in 1933.Its wide human appeal has drawn audiences from every walk of life all over China and it has even been made into a folk-opera.

Here, for the first time, is an adequate English translation.

The setting is the home of an industrialist in north China, where a family has come together with the inexorable fatality of a Greek drama.It is a play of tensions, and, in the twenty-four hours in which the action takes place, we watch these tensions mount and tauten as the tragic climax swiftly approached.

Here, in miniature, we witness the disintegration of the fabric of the old society and the birth-pangs of the new.The head of the house, a self-made man whose preoccupation with success has made him in sensible to the ties of blood and affection, still bears within him the stifling weight of the old feudal society. The younger generation are in rebellion against the decaying order which the older generation stand for, and the intensity of their reaction reveals new facets in the dramatic situation.

The play is an accomplished example of the Western form of drama in China.The emotional conflicts and stresses which Tsao Yu handles with such finesse are skillfully interwoven and counterpoised in such a way that suspense is sustained to the final curtain.

We are confident that English speaking readers will accord this play the welcome that one of the classics of twentieth-century drama deserves. ... Read more

Book Description
Focusing on detection and avoidance of severe weather, this book teaches pilots how to lessen their chances of being caught extreme weather conditions. Written so that anyone can understand complex meteorological terms, it attempts to bring across the most crucial principles that pilots can use to fly more wisely. Different weather conditions, including lightning, icing, and wind shear, and their effect on flying are discussed in detail. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Very good product
This product is same as described in purchase. Delivery was very quickly and good conditions. I recommend this product and provider. Sincerely. Jose Pena

Talks about nasty weather in a simple way.
This book is for the weather novice who doesn't want to get a PhD in meteorology, but still wants to stay out of trouble.While most of the information about thunderstorms is available elsewhere, his section on icing was particularly valuable. I would recommend this to any pilot who seems lost about weather reports or charts. If you know your way around surface analysis charts and lifted index charts then this book might be too simple for you.

Unreserved praise!
For all pilots!I purchased this book over ten years ago and I try to reread it each spring.This book condenses need to know information into useable "bites," and makes weather interesting and understandable.You will learn things about temperature dew point relationships and many other aspects of weather and weather flying that you may never hear any other place.If you are looking for a book that will better prepare you for the dynamics of weather flying, this is one of the very best.

severe weather flying
This is a must read book for any pilot who does serious weather flying.Dennis takes the mumbo jumbo and puts it in terms that are very easy to understand. With thirty two years of flying under my belt, this is the only book that makes practical sense of very technical issues.

Excellent for professional aviators
Good detail, personal tips & hints that I haven't seen in any other text. Although it is US orientated, it contains a wealth of interesting information. ... Read more

Book Description
What happens when a plane is hit by lightning? Why does lightning look like a streak one time and a ribbon or row of glowing balls another? How do rocket ships create lightning as they fly? These questions and many more are answered in this book that also includes unforgettable personal accounts by people who have been struck by lightning. Chock full of fun facts, fascinating activities, colorful photographs -- plus so much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

When lightning strikes
This 60-page early reference book is great for 3rd and 4th graders wondering how lightning and thunder happen.

It removes their fear.

The book opens with a chapter inaptly labeled Drama, which provides myriad facts about lightning and thunder. For example, at any given moment 2,000 thunderstorms are happening on Earth, which adds up to about 16 million thunderstorms a year. Like fingerprints, each lightning bolt differs from all others. Kids also learn here about Zeus and his mythic temper and Thor, the Viking God of lightning and thunder, who threw hammers at his enemies. Three brief sections discuss Ben Franklin's famous kite-flying experiment, weather forecasting and storm chasers.

Kids next learn how clouds form. Clouds can be small or huge, reaching 60,000 feet--taller than Mount Everest. Thunderstorms require warm air, which explains why many storms occur near the Equator. Indonesia's Java Island typically has thunderstorms on 223 days out of the year. The Southeastern U.S. also gets lots of thunderstorms. Kids also learn in this chapter the three stages of thunderstorms.

The third chapter discusses the types of electricity, including the static variety that causes lightning. Kids learn about the various types of lightning--sheet, ribbon, bead, ball and fork--as well as what causes thunder. When lightning flashes, the air through which it travels heats up to about 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which quickly causes rapid loud shock waves that make huge booms. There are several types of thunder, too.

Chapter 4 discusses what happens when lightning strikes. It includes 10 pages of beautiful photographs.

Next kids meet two young survivors of lightning strikes. Chapter 5 also provides several websites that discuss lightning strikes and storm safety. The latter is also covered in Chapter 6.

A fine book. Alyssa A. Lappen

Learn about lightning
The book is about lightning and thunderstorms and what they can do.One strike from a bolt of lightning could easily kill you.Very few people have survived getting hit from lightning.

I enjoyed reading the bookbecause it is interesting.It shows stories about people who survivedlightning.It tells you how to be safe in a thunderstorm.

I wouldrecommend this book to a friend because you would learn a lot aboutlightning.I wanted to read it because lightning is fascinating.I thinkits cool.

The pictures were colored photographs of thunderstorms.Therewas not a lot of pictures, but they were good ones.

What I have learnedfrom this book is that there is lightning that you cannot see.Withinvisible lightning, you can see the clouds light up.You still hear thethunder, the lightning is inside the cloud.The thunder might also bebecause of the sonic boom that the lightning makes.When something goes atthe speed of sound, or faster, the sound waves get messed up and make thisbooming sound, called a sonic boom.

There is ball lightning that hasbeen claimed to have been seen many times.Not much is known about balllightning, it stays there for a couple of seconds in a ball.

After alllightning occurs, there is a smaller strike that comes up from the ground. It is very high voltage electricity.The static electricity forms from theclouds rubbing together and makes the high voltage electricity that we calllightning.

You can protect yourself from lightning by crouching down, notlaying down because if you lay down, the counter strike from the ground canhurt you.If you stand up, the going down lightning hits the tallest thingpossible.You should be away from any water because water conductselectricity and therefore if you're near water, the electric bolt can beduplicated and can hurt you.

The safest place to be in a thunderstorm isinside a house or inside a hard top car.On every house or building, thereis a lightning rod that conducts electricity and sends it straight to theground.In the car, the rubber from the wheels won't let the lightning getinto the car.

The thunderstorm is created when ice and water mix and mixinside clouds creating static electricity and lightning.There needs to bea lot of ice and water to start raining, they keep on building up into theclouds until the cloud is too full and they fall out. Only certain kinds ofclouds that create thunderstorms.

There is a story about a boy namedNathan.His mom and dad were out and he had to watch his younger brother. His mom called and told him about the thunderstorm that was going to come,so he went to get his kitties out of the garage.He didn't want them toget hurt.When he was going out, he touched the door knob and got struckby lightning.He didn't think he went unconscious.He thought he wasgoing to die.Everything was numb and burnt on his body.He tried gettingout of the garage again and it worked.He was able to open the door.Whenhe told his younger brother to call 911, his younger brother thought it wasa joke.When he took his shirt off, his brother believed him and called911 because he was all burnt.Nathan thought he was going to die for thefirst couple of days in the hospital.After a month or two, he was able togo back to school.He was 12 years old at the time.

Storm Safety
Great book to teach everyone storm safety.I am especially partial to the book because my son was struck by lightning and his story is featured in this book!Most people do not understand the dangers oflightning and this book helps others understand the importance of weathersafety. ... Read more

Book Description
The First Place Award Winner for The 1989 National Written & Illustrated By...Contest for Students, this is a lyrical blend of poetry and photographs.

This outstanding book of poetry offers a wide range of sensitive insights, thought-provoking ideas, and amusing whimsies.

A lovely book to be savored and enjoyed again and again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Delight for All Ages
Inspiring and thought provoking, this beautifully written and photographed work of poetic art is one to be treasured by young and old alike.If you have been turned off by poetry in the past, I strongly recommend you give it a second chance with this book.If you are a lover of poetry, this is an important addition to any collection.Each poem is brilliantly coupled with an equally moving photograph.I've been sharing this book with my literature courses (for future teachers) for years, and my students are always amazed to find that the author of this perspicacious book was only 16 at the time of publication.Truly, this book is a "must have" for any classroom or home where poetry is to be enjoyed.

Incredible talent
Once in a blue moon, a person of tender years shows ability far beyond what one would expect. Mozart, for example, wrote brilliant music at the age of 5. The author of this work, only 16 when she put it together, is one such talent. Her poetry shows a wisdom and experience far beyond her years. Her photographs convey such feeling and depth, and complement her words beautifully. In the past decade, I have read this book over and over. Bits and pieces of the poems, and images from the photographs, come back to me often, and I will suddenly finding myself asking a friend if he or she has ever seen the book We Are A Thunderstorm, or if he or she has ever heard of Amity Gaige. And each time, it is an opportunity to share this marvelous work with others. I can't recommend it highly enough. ... Read more

Book Description
This electronic book on CD-ROM presents the contents of a National Weather Service "weather school" they call JetStream. Here is how they describe this computer-based instructional material:

Jetstream is "designed to help educators, emergency managers, or anyone interested in learning about weather and weather safety. The information contained in JetStream is arranged by subject; beginning with global and large scale weather patterns followed by lessons on air masses, wind patterns, cloud formations, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, damaging winds, tornados, tropical storms, cyclones and flooding. Interspersed in JetStream are "Learning Lessons" which can be used to enhance the educational experience. You are free to use the materials in any manner you wish. We welcome your feedback on this project. Your input will greatly assist others in teaching the "hows" and "whys" of weather."

Why JetStream? "The National Weather Service understands the critical value of fast, accurate weather information. We know that information is power - the power to save your life or the lives of your loved ones. Over the last ten years, more than 5,000 people have died in the U.S. as a result of tornadoes, tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, lightning strikes and extremes of heat or cold. During the same period, hazardous weather events caused over $150 billion in property damage. Severe weather can be a dangerous and costly enemy. The more we know about the weather and the better we understand it - the safer we will be when it threatens us. It's never too early to start and we believe the JetStream online weather school will provide educators, emergency managers, or anyone interested in learning about weather with comprehensive, well-organized, colorfully illustrated curricula designed to help teach about the wonders and dangers that abound in the Earth's atmosphere. Whether you choose the entire package or select from self-contained modules, you will find complete lesson plans and review questions."

Jetstream Topics - 1. Why JetStream? 2. Weather on the Web 3. The Atmosphere 4. Global Weather 5. Synoptic Meteorology 6. Thunderstorms 7. Lightning8. Tropical Weather 9. Remote Sensing 10. The National Weather Service 11. Appendix

This informative CD-ROM has thousands of pages, reproduced using Adobe Acrobat PDF software - allowing direct viewing on Windows and Macintosh systems.

Our news and educational CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs are privately compiled collections of official public domain U.S. government files and documents - they are not produced by the federal government. They are designed to provide a convenient user-friendly reference work, utilizing the benefits of the Adobe Acrobat format to uniformly present thousands of pages that can be rapidly reviewed, searched by finding specific words, or printed without untold hours of tedious research and downloading. Vast archives of important public domain government information that might otherwise remain inaccessible are available for instant review no matter where you are. This book-on-a-disc format makes a great reference work and educational tool. There is no other reference that is as fast, convenient, comprehensive, thoroughly researched, and portable - everything you need to know, from the federal sources you trust. ... Read more

Book Description
Staying out of thunderstorms takes resolve and savvy. This book explains why, when, and where these weather hazards are likely to develop and gives practical advice on flying clear of them. Storms defy precise definition, so it is up to individual pilots to use what they know to make good decisions that lead to a safe flight. The dynamics of thunderstorms, wind shear, and other related phenomena are described. There is also a guide for a systematic pre-takeoff weather briefing in which all available weather data are correlated to forecast storm location and severity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Goog book
This product is same as described in purchase. Delivery was very quickly and good conditions. I recommend this product and provider. Sincerely. Jose Pena ... Read more

Book Description
Dr. Jeffrey Thompson's clinically proven audio system, relaxes your body, eases your mind, and renews your spirit. The sounds of a gentle thunderstomr and the songs of morning birds greeting the day surround you with warmth, peace and inner calm. ... Read more

Product Description
We who live with dogs know that thunderstorms and fireworks can stress some animals to the point of panic. Noise fears are common, frustrating, and can be difficult to treat. This book is for those who have tried desensitizing and counter classical conditioning with little or no success; for those who want facilitators to make a desensitizing and counter classical conditioning program more successful; or for those who do not wish to pursue a Pavlovian approach and would like to explore alternatives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Big Bang!How You Can Help Your Dog Cope with Thunderstorms & Fireworks
This booklet is very good on how to help dogs with noise-related fears, especially thunder phobias.It gives very good suggestions that can help take training & behavioral work a step further in addition to desentization & counter-conditioning that most trainers commonly already use.This booklet is easy to read & understand. I would recommend it for those that have dogs with this issue.(For more info on counter-conditioning & desenstization in an easy booklet, THE CAUTIOUS CANINE, How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears.) ... Read more