"It is commonly understood that sleep in some form or another is an almost universal phenomenon among animals, including humans. However, the specific reasons why we need sleep are not as clear. The articles in this volume explain what sleep is, the benefits it has on the mind and the body, and its role in cognitive and biological functions. It examines disorders that disturb normal sleep and what these disorders tell us about our need for sleep....

Parachute cord, which is now universally known as paracord, is a lightweight nylon rope originally used by paratroopers during World War II. It is now employed as a general purpose utility cord. Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts have made "survival bracelets" from paracord, which are meant to be unraveled when needed to secure cargo, lash together poles, and fix broken straps and laces. Practical Paracord Projects contains ideas from a number of...

Mother Goose rhymes were not always considered to be nonsensical fare for young children, originally these verses were written as social and politcal commentary. In 1969 when author Eve Merriam wanted to comment about social and political issues of the time, she turned to Mother Goose rhymes in a nod to their original purpose. Her resultant poems, inspired by traditional "nursery rhymes," depict the grim reality of inner city life, including such...

"Resembling a paleontologist's sketchbook filled with labeled watercolor drawings and descriptive notes, Dinosaur Bones is an accurate reference to 40 dinosaurs, marine reptiles, flying reptiles and prehistoric mammals. The book begins with a brief introduction to life before the dinosaurs and the appearance of amphibians and early land mammals. Then, 150 million years later, the dog-sized Ornitholestes dinosaur appears. Chronologically thereafter,...

"Scout Turner works as a cryptozoologist, examining and cataloguing supernatural creatures for scientific purposes. When she discovers the cure for asthma in the venom of a new breed of monster, she quickly finds herself on the run from Kenilworth Pharmaceuticals and the monsters that they've hired to kill her. With no one by her side but her clueless assistant, a morally ambiguous succubus, and her geriatric dog, Scout goes on the run... but in a...