Thin Ice

From "a graceful writer who’s written some of the best natural history books of the past decade” (The New York Times Book Review) comes an urgent, stirring celebration and a rallying cry on behalf of one of earth's greatest natural treasures. Polar bears—fierce and majestic—have captivated us for centuries. Feared by explorers, revered by the Inuit, and beloved by zoo goers everywhere, they are a symbol for the harsh beauty and muscular grace of the Arctic. But as global warming threatens the ice caps’ integrity, the polar bear has also come to symbolize the environmental peril that has arisen due to harmful human practices. In the past twenty years alone, the world population of polar bears has shrunk by half. Today they number just 22,000.

Major Crimes Unit investigator Jack Smith is assigned to the murder of a young number one draft pick who was set to play for Ottawa in the upcoming pro hockey seaon. But he's surprised by how much the kid's life differs from his clean-cut media image. A long list of suspects soon emerges, any one of whom had good reason to want Ritchie dead.

On Thin Ice is Mick Fowler's second set of climbing memoirs, following Vertical Pleasure. Here, the celebrated mountaineer records his expeditions since 1990. Despite work and family commitments, he has maintained a regular series of 'big trips' to challenging objectives around the world with a sequence of major successes: Taweche (1995, with Pat Littlejohn), Changabang (1997, with Steve Sustad, Andy Cave and Brendan Murphy), Arwa Tower (1999, with Sustad), Mount Kennedy (2000, with Cave), Siguniang (2002, with Paul Ramsden). Siguniang's hard ice climbing on a fabulous face in deepest China was so admired by the international climbing community that it won the US 'Golden Piton' and the French 'Piolet d'Or', both awards given for the finest alpine achievements in the world during that year. The author describes his travels in the great traditions, with engaging modesty and wit, but the climbs themselves are frequently so dramatic that the anxiety and tension forces its way to the surface to be matched by a corresponding relief and triumph when success and safe descent is achieved. Mick Fowler has thus become Britain's most successful exponent of high-standard lightweight mountaineering in the greater ranges. At 48 he is already something of an elder statesman of a cadre of international activists. They are steadily ticking off the most challenging lines in the world - a 'golden age' of super-alpinism that is now in full swing. How this influences activities on the 8000m peaks where the dangers (rarefied air, weather severity and sheer scale) are greater is an open question. History suggests that as major challenges on the lower peaks are steadily mastered the focus will return to technical challenges offered at the higher altitudes. Whether the results will exceed achievements such as the Kurtyka/Schauer (Gasherbrum 4) and the Bohigas/Lucas (Annapurna 1) remains to be seen. The combination of exotic travel with major climbs provides the ultimate adrenalin-soaked holiday experience that Mick Fowler has mastered to the full. We are transported from the cliffs of Jordan, to remote peaks in deepest Asia, via Taweche and Changabang in the Himalaya, with jaunts to the Andes and Alaska thrown in for good measure. That Fowler has organised this routine for years, while holding down a conventional nine-to-five job with the Inland Revenue, has constantly amazed his peers. In this, his second book, he has also mastered the skills of amusing travel-writing to entertain us as a preliminary to the finale of a titanic struggle on each of his fiendishly demanding climbs.

You've watched him battle the odds on History's Ice Road Truckers. Now read Hugh "The Polar Bear" Roland's own storm-by-storm account of surviving and conquering the infamous ice roads of the Arctic. Join Hugh in the front seat of his truck as he shares his most chilling, adrenaline-fueled tales of the world's most dangerous job. Every year, a fleet of truckers travels beyond the northern equatorial line to the Arctic Circle, battling subzero temperatures and perilous conditions. Though treacherous, it is a region heavily endowed with natural resources. Locating this abundance of natural gas, conflict-free diamonds, and gold is relatively easy; extracting and transporting these goods is another matter entirely. The elite truckers chosen to deliver materials vital to these efforts spend two months traveling distances greater than Western Europe on naturally formed roads of ice that is only sixteen inches thick. It is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. For more than twenty years, Hugh Rowland has survived the ice roads like none other. Each year when the temperature plummets, Rowland leaves his family in Vancouver, Canada, to drive 1,900 miles to Yellowknife, where he will begin his odyssey. Facing the threat of perilous avalanches, hundred-foot cliffs, and the ever-present danger of cracking through the ice, Hugh must push himself to the limit. The payoff is sweet, but Rowland isn't in it just for the money; he is driven by the camaraderie, the call to adventure, and the chance to battle the odds year after year. From the first snowstorm to the final thaw, On Thin Ice traces the history of ice road trucking, chronicles Rowland's preparation for the trek, and follows him through his perilous journey along the infamous ice roads. Take a ride with Rowland as he recounts tales of epic breakdowns and breathtaking heroism that are just a daily part of the job. In this classic battle of man and machine versus cruelest nature, only the strong will survive to see their payday, their families, and the chance to do it all over again . . . on thin ice. WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER . . . "You've never experienced winter until you've lived through one in the far north. It starts in October and doesn't let up until mid-April. The temperatures drop to minus 70, with winds blowing 60 miles an hour. At that temperature, you throw a pot of boiling water or coffee into the air and it will instantly vaporize and turn into snow. It's cold as hell, but it's also full of riches: silver, gold, uranium, diamonds, and oil worth tens of billions of dollars. Locating these treasures in the frozen tundra is the easy part. Getting them out of the ground and bringing them from the frozen wasteland to civilization is a lot tougher. That's my job." -- From Ice Road Truckers

On Thin Ice explores the relationship between the Inuit and the modern state in the vast but lightly populated North American Arctic. It chronicles the aspiration of the Inuit to participate in the formation and implementation of diplomatic and national security policies across the Arctic region and to contribute to the reconceptualization of Arctic Security, including the redefinition of the core values inherent in northern defense policy. With the warming of the Earth's climate, the Arctic rim states have paid increasing attention to the commercial opportunities, strategic challenges, and environmental risks of climate change. As the long isolation of the Arctic comes to an end, the Inuit who are indigenous to the region are showing tremendous diplomatic and political skills as they continue to work with the more populous states that assert sovereign control over the Arctic in an effort to mutually assert joint sovereignty across the region Published on the 50th anniversary of Ken Waltz's classic Man, the State and War, Zellen's On Thin Ice is at once a tribute to Waltz's elucidation of the three levels of analysis as well as an enhancement of his famous "Three Images," with the addition of a new "Fourth Image" to describe a tribal level of analysis. This model remains salient in not only the Arctic where modern state sovereignty remains limited, but in many other conflict zones where tribal peoples retain many attributes of their indigenous sovereignty.

Describes how global warming is affecting the planet.

"The plot is engaging...Tissot tells a moving story..." Christian Woodard, book reviewer, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, NY In this novel of mystery, fun and sorrow, a man struggles to make a fresh start in life. Tuck Rising, an injured ski champion, returns to his hometown to find work as a Great Camp caretaker. With his new bride Britt Freier and his daughter Tibetta, he moves into a rustic home in the village of Meltmor, planning to stay only until he recovers from his injury and can return to racing. Like walking on thin ice, every step he takes brings him closer to peril. The story romps through the high jinks and hard times of a northern village and shines a light on the little known lives of caretakers. In a twist of magic realism, Pitt and his pet Rat's prophesies remind us that the way forward is not always clear. Life in the North brings Tuck far more obstacles than flags on a race course. Will Tuck overcome the challenges? Hold on to his family? Make his way back to the race course? Will misinformation and cover-ups obstruct his path to success? This book is a revision of Tibetta's World; High Jinks and Hard Times in the North Country. What readers are saying. "... vivid imagination along with knowledge of our beloved Adirondacks and small town people..." - Win, France "... a wonderful novel ... I think everyone should read it from 10 to 90. - Diana, New York "...mystery, love, murder, humor and philosophy all rolled into one..." - Liz, New York

"Walking on Thin Ice?" is a lesson requiring students to examine the scientific evidence of changes in the Arctic ice cover, intended for use with students in grades 6-12. Eric J. Miller and Andrea J. Perelman created this lesson, which is based on a "New York Times" article. The lesson includes objectives, procedures, and extension activities. The Learning Network, a service of the New York Times Co., provides the lesson online as part of the Daily Lesson Plan Teacher Connections resource.

The Alaskan tundra – a land whose pristine beauty was overshadowed by the darkness of winter, the danger of corruption.

Twenty years ago–two weeks before their intended wedding day–tragedy tore Megan Brooks and Alec Black apart. They haven't seen each other since. Someone has been watching them, though...

Their hearts are on thin ice this time around… Serena Moretti never wanted to go back to her small hometown. But one disastrous marriage later, and here she is, a single mom, doing her best to rebuild her life. Then he came back to town. Amato Rossi was Serena's first love. The man who destroyed her heart. The smart thing to do would be to stay away. Too bad fate (and her stupid heart) had other ideas… Amato Rossi didn’t expect to see Serena back in Cirella. He certainly didn’t think she’d help him acquire the land his sister wants. And he never thought the feelings they once shared would surface again. But…it happened. All of it. However, he should keep his distance. His business dealings are quickly going from complicated to potentially dangerous—and she has troubles (and secrets) of her own. He knows a second chance romance isn’t in the cards for them. Knowing, however, doesn’t keep his foolish soul from wanting more… Between Amato's homecoming and the sudden appearance of two new strangers in Cirella, things only get more interesting in the third book of the Cirella Bay series. Download your copy of Thin Ice & Foolish Desires today and get lost in this sweet and fun story of love, family, and starting over!

The book illustrates the fascinating world of the different forms of water — from ice and snow to liquid water. The water molecule, H2O, is the second most common molecule in the Universe (behind hydrogen, H2) and ice is the most abundant solid material. Snow and ice appear in a countless large number of different shapes and with properties which can be quite different. Detailed knowledge of the properties of snow is of great importance for the Sami people involved in reindeer herding and several hundred names are used to characterize the different types. The properties of ice and liquid water are very special and unique in several respects. In contrast to most other substances, the density of ice is lower than that of liquid water, which has many very important consequences in our daily life. Water plays a unique role in chemistry and although tremendous research has been spent on this seemingly simple substance, there are still many unsolved questions about the structure of liquid water. The special properties of water are due to hydrogen bonding between the H2O molecules, and this book may be seen as a tribute to the hydrogen bond. The general properties of the hydrogen bond are treated in three separate papers. The hydrogen bond is of fundamental importance in biological systems since all living matter has evolved from and exists in an aqueous environment and hydrogen bonds are involved in most biological processes. There is a hundred times more water molecules in our bodies than the sum of all the other molecules put together. Contents: There are Many Different Types of SnowEarly Snow Crystal ObservationsArtificial Snow CrystalsSnow and Ice Crystals in NatureSnow for Pleasure and ArtThe Ice Surface and Formation of Ice SpikesStructure and Physical and Chemical Properties of Water and IcePhysical Properties of Water and Ice; Significance in NatureThe Water Molecule is UniqueThe Role of the Lone Pairs in Hydrogen BondingComparison of the Proton Transfer Path in Hydrogen Bonds from Theoretical Potential Energy Surfaces and the Concept of Conservation of Bond OrdersThe Hydrogen Bond in the Solid State Readership: Interested lay readers. Key Features:The book differs from most books on snow as it covers early, historical observations as well as present active research. Some of the snow pictures are unique and illustrate fundamental physical factsThe beauty of snow crystals is amply illustrated, but basic facts about structure and properties are treated as well. Why does ice float on water? Why is the maximum density of water at +4°C?Keywords:Snow;Ice;Water;Hydrogen Bond

Snow’s sister Lily has now joined her in the village, but she is haunted by her past. She must get past her fears if she is to find love in the Willows, as her sister did. And then there is the magic mirror in the mine...a portal back to their world, with all of its dangers. Will those dangers follow them back to Whispering Willows? ‘Thin Ice’ is the fifth book in the Whispering Willows series.

Gifted biologist Mary Clare Ryan's car has plunged into the Potomac River. Nicole Ryan suspects that her sister's death was no accident but when she tries to find out what research Mary was pursuing, Mary's colleagues are evasive, even hostile. Nicole is left with nothing except Mary's plane ticket to Los Angeles and a notebook she'd given Nicole … in case anything happened to her. Fleeing Georgetown's rain-slicked cobblestones and her own stagnant life as a professor, Nicole infiltrates the West Coast medical conference where her sister was slated to speak. She learns that just before Mary died she made a major scientific breakthrough, which she had gone to great lengths to conceal. Furthermore, those who stand to profit from her discovery have now targeted Nicole as the one most likely to have been in Mary's confidence. As she seeks out the truth about her sister's death, it becomes increasingly apparent that someone is stalking Nicole, tracking her movements in the sultry shadowy California night.…