Spanning the World

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Tim Harris

Sport: Almost Everything You Ever Wanted to Know tells the story of sport. All sport. Ever. From ancient times to the 21st century. In eight themed parts, Tim Harris describes the triumphs and breakthroughs – as well as the cheating and skulduggery - that have created the modern world of sport. Part One looks at sports grounds, from stadiums to ice rinks, explaining why golf courses have 18 holes, why boxing 'rings' are square and why Woolwich Arsenal ended up in Highbury. Why do wickets have three stumps? Why do we 'serve' in tennis and play soccer in halves? Part Two uncovers the stories behind sporting rules, while the next section, on sports equipment, shows why we row in eights, why cue balls have black dots and golf balls have dimples. Why do teams score more goals at home than away? Why have women got worse at shot putting? A history of sporting drugs reveals all. A swift history of 'speed sports' - from chariot racing to Grand Prix – explains why Formula One races clockwise, why racehorses aren't getting any faster and the odd origins of British racing green. Why compete for 'stakes' and hold 'whip-rounds'? Why doesn't the NFL play on Saturdays? A section on money and sport tells all. Then sport and politics uncovers the reasons why we ten-pin bowl with ninepins, why greyhounds aren't grey and why rowing is so posh. Lastly, a history of games and the media tells of racehorses starring on stage, boxers fighting inside cameras and just why the FA Cup draw uses wooden balls. Dip into it, or read it cover to cover - there's a 'Oh - now I get it' moment on every page. Sport: it's unique, funny, amazingly comprehensive and packed with extraordinary anecdotes to turn any reader into a sporting expert.

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Lynn Haney

Roughing it doesn't have to be uncomfortable...or expensive!Camping in Comfort is the complete guide to help you enjoy the latest advances in outdoor gearwithout wasting money on expensive, unnecessary paraphernalia.Packed with information on tents, sleeping gear, clothing,footwear, and camp kitchens, it also offers detailed informationon state parks, private campgrounds, luxury camping resorts,backpacking and bicycle camping, kayak camping, RV camping, andmuch more.

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Mardy Grothe

For most of us, that perfect retort or witty reply often escapes us when we need it most, only to come to mind with perfect clarity when it's too late to be useful. The twentieth-century writer Heywood Broun described this all-too-common phenomenon when he wrote "Repartee is what we wish we'd said."In Viva la Repartee, Dr. Mardy Grothe, author of Oxymoronica, has lovingly assembled a collection of masterfully composed -- and perfectly timed -- replies that have turned the tables on opponents and adversaries. This delightful volume is a celebration of the most impressive retorts, ripostes, rejoinders, comebacks, quips, ad-libs, bon mots, off-the-cuff comments, wisecracks, and other clever remarks ever to come out of the mouths -- and from the pens -- of people throughout history. Touching on all areas of human endeavor, including politics, the arts, literature, sports, relationships, and even the risque, the book features contributions from Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Dorothy Parker, Mae West, Groucho Marx, Winston Churchill, Dolly Parton, and scores more.As entertaining as it is intellectually enriching, Viva la Repartee is sure to capture the attention of language lovers and is the perfect antidote for anyone who's ever thought I wish I'd said that!

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Ned McIntosh

Learn how to manage your youth team to successWith its "teach basics and have fun" approach, Managing Little League Baseball is dedicated to helping you teach baseball fundamentals to boys and girls while emphasizing how to make the experience rewarding for you and your players. Fully approved by Little League Baseball® and illustrated with instructive photos and diagrams, this book will give you the tools you need to develop prepared ballplayers.Inside you'll learn:Twenty of the most important and frequently used Little League baseball rules, including the latest change and the new rules regarding pitchersThe fundamentals of hitting, baserunning, defense, and pitchingTips on motivating players, game strategy, and special challenges such as competitive pressure and demanding parentsAn inside look at Little League softball