Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisKnotted lace is one of the oldest forms of making lace and is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean around 2000 years ago. Also commonly referred to as Armenian Lace, it is also known as Bilila, Oya, Palestinian Lace, Nazareth Lace, Smyrna Stitch and Phoenician Lace. Elena Dickson has a wide audience for her lace making techniques, from touring Australia and the USA conducting workshops. This latest book has all new motifs and doily designs and includes all stitch instructions, descriptive diagrams and black and white photographs of finished projects.

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Book SynopsisGoldwork Embroidery by Mary Brown is the most comprehensive book on this ancient form of embroidery. The history of goldwork in Britain and Europe is illuminated with images in glorious full-colour of gold embroidered costumes and textiles held in museums and private collections, many never previously published or seen by the public. This book includes fifteen original projects that either reference historical examples or exhibit contemporary techniques for this form of embroidery. A beautiful book that covers every aspect of gold embroidery.Trade ReviewAug/Sep 08 An exciting and sometimes challenging technique, goldwork certainly has the wow factor, and the glorious images in this book show the technique in all its glory. The history of goldwork in Britain and Europe is illustrated with photographs of embroidered costumes and textiles from museums and private collections – many of which have never previously been published or been on public view. There are also 15 embroidery projects, each with clear instructions; some are suitable for beginners, while others are more complex, but the chapters on materials and techniques ensure that all of the methods are clearly explained. * Stitch *Table of ContentsTitle: Goldwork Embroidery: Designs and Projects Author: Mary Brown Description: Goldwork Embroidery by Mary Brown is the most comprehensive book on this ancient form of embroidery. The history of goldwork in Britain and Europe is illuminated with images in glorious full-colour of gold embroidered costumes and textiles held in museums and private collections, many never previously published or seen by the public. This book includes fifteen original projects that either reference historical examples or exhibit contemporary techniques for this form of embroidery. A beautiful book that covers every aspect of goldwork embroidery. No. of pages: 208 Cover type: Paperback Trim size: 208 x 210mm Colour type: Full colour Series: Milner Craft Series Imprint: Sally Milner Publishing ISBN: 978 1 86351 366 1 RRP: A$49.95 Contents SECTION I: BACKGROUND AND TECHNIQUES 1 A Brief History of Goldwork Embroidery Medieval Goldwork: 12th to 15th centuries Tudor, Elizabethan and Stuart Goldwork: 16th and 15th centuries Rococo and Regency/Directoire Goldwork: 18th and 19th centuries 20th Century Goldwork 2 Metal Threads: history and manufacture 3 Materials, Equipment and Preparation 4 Goldwork Embroidery Techniques SECTION II: THE PROJECTS Contemporary Jewel Circle of Hearts Spray of Flowers Silver Flower White Poppy Horus Eye Medallion Ornamental Fan Portrait of a Woman Basket of Flowers Vine of Flowers Japanese Landscape Byzantine Angel Cornucopia Memories of Russia

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Book SynopsisA step-by-step approach to silk ribbon embroidery. All the questions you ever wanted to ask in a silk ribbon embroidery class answered for you, with illustrations and instructions. The lessons in the book are based on the very popular workshops conducted by Helen throughout Australia and New Zealand. She is renowned internationally for her previous books. The lessons are followed by a variety of projects suitable for beginner to intermediate silk ribbon embroiderers. Beautiful colour photographs throughout.Trade ReviewAug/Sep 08 The art of silk ribbon embroidery dates back to the early 17th century when it was used mainly to embellish court garments, the uniforms of high-ranking military officers and the vestments and regalia of the clergy. Since its heyday, ribbon embroidery has enjoyed varying degrees of popularity, but it is a very satisfying technique as it's quite quick to do and the results are wonderfully decorative. The information and skills needed for success with silk ribbon embroidery are presented in a clear and interesting way and the four lovely projects allow you to put all of the techniques into practice. * Stitch *Table of ContentsProgress through easy and informative lessons in silk ribbon embroidery Master the skills for this charming craft and move on to the beautiful yet simple projects A must-have for anyone considering starting silk ribbon embroidery

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Book SynopsisOver the last 200 years crochet in its various forms has given rise to an unknown number of stitches. Crochet Techniques brings together instructions for stitches and their variations to create five colourful and attractive samplers - two based on Classic stitches, one on Jacquard stitch, a fourth based on Tunisian crochet (also called Tricot), and another based on Crochenit (sometimes known as 'on the double' crochet. Working these patterns will help you gain a solid, well-grounded knowledge of crochet. Many of the stitches are a breeze, and others require a little more concentration - but there's no equal to the feeling of accomplishment that mastering them will give you. As you make your way through the techniques you will discover a range of interesting and useful stitches that you will want to use over and over again - not just as rugs but to create items of your own. You will also find discussion of common crochet problems and tips for solving them.Trade ReviewJuly 08 Look out for this informative and comprehensive book. It is a valuable reference for any lover of crochet with a wide selection of stitch patterns and techniques. There are 36 linear stitch patterns and 19 in-the-round motifs that can be used for many different projects and ideas. The book presents them as morsels that can then be combined to create rugs and throws as a decorative reference that can inspire you again and again. The book then progresses to colour work where 30 squares are charted as cololurful patterns that can all be extended and worked in any shade you like. Carrying on further than many other crochet books, Renate then shows how to work another 36 patterns in Tunisian crochet and 30 ways with crochenit, a derivative of Tunisian crochet. As well as being an extensive collection of patterns for an avid crocheter, the book is also an excellent primer for anyone who is new to crochet. The basics of the technique are thoroughly and clearly explained in down to earth language and excellent diagrams and is an excellent source. * Knit Today *Table of Contents50 great designs at your fingertips At-a-glance icons indicate skill levels, direction of work and best application Great way to show and use the mix and match capability of crochet blocks

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Book SynopsisSurface Works is about using plain knit or crocheted backgrounds to which surface decoration can be added and the projects in this book were created with that in mind. There are many alternative meanings for decorate, including adorn, bedeck, brighten, do up, embellish, enhance, enrich, festoon, frill, gussy up, jazz up, ornament, and trim, all of which illustrate the focus of Surface Works. Packed full with information, Surface Works contains over 90 original textured and creative stitch motifs to make, plus 34 new projects including 7 garments with full templates and instructions. Jenny's fantastic 'how-to' section is included plus a comprehensive stitch guide. There are three main categories used throughout: Altering the Surface - this can be as simple as adding another thread to an existing one. Using basic stitches and fancy yarns will produce a richly textured surface and therefore result in a much more interesting fabric with little effort on your part. Collaging (or Layering the Surface) - adding objects to the background in combination or isolation such as beads, lace, cloth, braids, knit and crocheted motifs etc. Interrupting the Surface - this entails working in a certain technique such as garter stitch or double crochet (single crochet) for a few cm's (inches) and then introducing something different. For example, changing from knitting to crochet or from one stitch technique to another so that the surface appearance of the fabric changes. The end result of working with these methods can be elaborately ornate, totally crazy or subtle and elegant.Trade ReviewSurface Works is about using plain knitted or crocheted backgrounds to which surface decoration can be added," is how Jenny Dowde describes her book. She loves the idea of being able to use only small amounts of very expensive yarns or beads, braids and ribbons to jazz up otherwise plain work, or to break up the surface with texture. Suggested embellishments include textured stitches, both knit and crochet, edgings, colour knitting and 'collage' using flowers, I-cord and needle felting, to name a few. She describes and gives instructions for her projects - hats, scarves, bags, cushions and garments - all adorned in some way. She is happy for them to be made as they are but hopes she will inspire readers to create their own 'masterpieces'. She quotes Cate Blanchett, who said, "I love strange choices. I'm always interested in people who depart from what is expected of them and go into new territory". This is the sort of journey any 'fibre-fan' will embark on with this book. Full of exciting and original ideas, it will inspire them to experiment and create their own art-to-wear-and-use. Surface Works is definitely a must-have and should occupy a prominent place on the bookshelf to be referred to again and again.- Pam Mitchell, The Textile Directory This book takes plain knitted and crocheted backgrounds and embellishes them with surface decoration. In her introduction, Jenny advocates the use of the book as a platform for your ideas, although patterns can be followed as directed, which gives a bit more freedom to the reader in how the projects are tackled. The book starts by taking you through creating different backgrounds by knitting or crocheting, and then looks at embellishments that can be added (including a very novel use of paperclips). After this, you are presented with a series of projects. This is a very generous book, with 35 Projects divided into sections of type (including Bags, Shawls, Cushions and Adornments), each one different from the next. Throughout, you are given full instructions on executing from start to finish, so everything you need can be found in the pages. I would say that this book is aimed at the confident knitter/crocheter, as instructions are abbreviated. There is a glossary at the beginning that you could refer back to, but if you do not understand the terminology, then you will be constantly flicking backwards and forward, which will probably be off-putting. However, the photos are very clear and colourful and, if you are not a knitter, you can still get inspiration from the projects for embellishing ready-made pieces with stitch. A great book for those who want to take their knitted pieces to the next level.-Samantha Packer, Workshop on the Web Add surface decoration to plain knitted or crocheted backgrounds. Looking at 35 projects which include scarves, hats and neckpieces and shawls and tops, each item is decorated using techniques that are fully described and illustrated. The first half of the book shows techniques and ideas. The book begins with ideas for texture in knitting and crochet and a number of stitches are illustrated and instructions are given. I think the most interesting of these are picot and fluffle. Edgings, braids and cords follow on. If you really want edgings and paterns of this nature, this is done far better by Nicky Epstein. Next up is what is described as painless colour knitting. We then go on to collage surfaces - adding embellishments, which is an interesting concept, but I don't see too many people adding paper clips to their knitted surfaces, safety pins in the punk era maybe. The Arty Bits section continues this them and is a better attempt at ideas for surface decoration including ridges and freeform stitching, although the latter is not explained in detail. The 35 projects shows the techniques in practice. They include some very good ideas for bags and cushions. Equally the ideas for crocheted jewellery are interesting. I found the ideas used for scarves and hats, jackets and tops not so successful. There is no shaping to the garments and they look awkward. This book has its good and bad points. It will no doubt give you ideas to follow on your own and can be used as a starting point.-KarenPlatt.co.ukTable of Contents34 all new projects, including 7 garments, all with colour photographs, easy-to-follow instructions and templates where appropriate A huge collection of exciting motifs in knitting and crochet to incorporate into freeform garments and accessories A comprehensive stitch glossary

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Book SynopsisEncourages the reader to tap into the hidden creativity that lurks within - to entice the true beginner with easy starting points that will then lead on to exploring other techniques and expermenting with what they learn, free from too many rules and must nots. Will also inspire the more experienced to call upon all the arts and crafts that he or she has explored over the years, and illustrates ways of bringing them together in a truly amazing art form.Trade ReviewIssue 2 Start your freedom journey with this brilliant book, full of friendly advice, inspiration and patterns for motifs. Your personal creativity is encouraged at every step and even beginners will be inspired to make hats, bags, scarves, cushions and much more. * Simply Crochet *Table of ContentsVarying degrees of difficulty to cater for beginners to the more advanced Huge range of projects to cater for all tastes Wonderful colour photographs Step-by-step instructions accompanied by detailed diagrams and photographs Gallery section to inspire further creative works

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Book SynopsisThis is a book about creating sumptuous embellished surfaces made by collaging rich colourful silks, transparent organza and ribbons stitching with embroidery threads and ribbons, knitting and other yarns, and adding further texture with raised embroidery, cords, metallic threads and beads. Experience a process of creating where each application allows the surface to evolve from the first layer upwards with a sense of playfulness and thinking outside the square. The method or process is to create an original soft textile by assembling layers of fabric as a background that is embellished with stitches, quilting, beads and cords. Within the 144 pages there are 28 amazing projects, all with full instructions for an exact reproduction, or ideas for using what is available, or combining techniques throughout the book to create a truly unique piece. With beautiful photography of finished pieces, this book is a feast for the eyes and your creative spirit. 'You can't fail to be inspired by this wonderfully colourful book. The 28 projects are all clearly explained and illustrated with an abundance of sketches and colour photographs ... every embroidery in the book is a mouth-watering confection. In fact, I think the whole book is a 'zinger'! StitchTrade ReviewJune/July 10 You can't fail to be inspired by this wonderfully colourful book. The 28 projects are all clearly explained and illustrated with an abundance of sketches and colour photographs. The projects are organised into four sections: backgrounds; stitches for texture and effect; cords for embellishing and trimming; and stitch and bead patterns – and each section is more luscious than the last. The wrapped and embellished cords, sometimes enriched with knots and beads, are absolutely gorgeous; they can be used singly, twisted or plaited together, couched onto fabric to create pattern or texture, become an integral part of an embellished surface, or provide the perfect finishing touch to a project. Using richly coloured silk fabrics and brightly coloured threads (Effie gives a list of 'zinger' DMC colours she likes to use), every embroidery in the book is a mouth-watering confection. In fact, I think the whole book is a 'zinger'! * Stitch *Table of Contents" Effie Mitrofanis has an international reputation as a fine and versatile embroiderer and craftsperson " Unique projects and ideas to create more 'outside the square' " Step-by-step instruction for projects " Beautiful colour photographs " A feast for the eyes and your creative spirit. " From one of the world's most popular and successful fabric and quilt designers

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Book SynopsisThe research and embroidery involved in creating the designs for this book has been a joy for Jane Nicholas. She has revelled in the opportunity to indulge a passion of hers since childhood – combining jewel-like colours, gold metallic threads and glittering beads. Sixteen projects are presented in this book, varying both in size and complexity. Each has been inspired by an example of Islamic art – pottery, textiles, manuscripts or jewellery – from Turkey, Syria, Persia, Arabia or India.Trade ReviewDec 10 Indulge in some opulent embroidery inspired by Turkish, Syrian and Persian tiles with this fantastic book by Jane Nicholas. Stumpwork and Gold Embroidery is packed with beautiful projects large and small using traditional techniques to recreate motifs of stylised tulips, pomegranates, peonies and more. Each project is explained step-by-step, being built up in stages to culminate in a wonderful three-dimensional piece, highlighted with gold. The book features full stitching instructions and wonderful photography of items that have inspired Jane's embroideries. * NEW STITCHES *Dec 10/Jan 11 Inspired by Turkish, Syrian and Persian tiles, the designs in this book are exquisite. Although the designs are very detailed, the clear instructions ensure that you'll find them do-able. The main designs are large enough to be a challenge, but individual motifs from the larger embroideries are used singly to embellish little treasures, such as trinket boxes, a paperweight and a book cover – and these are very achievable. Altogether there are 16 stunning projects inspired by pottery, textiles, manuscripts – and even by a spittoon that showcases the traditions of goldworking and enamelling. Whatever the source of inspiration, every design combines rich jewel colours with gold metallic threads and glittering beads. * Stitch *Winter 2010 The vivid colours and richness of textures and design on the cover is only an example of the beautiful illustrations inside. The book has a number of designs with a little history and detailed instructions of stitching and materials needed. Also smaller projects are included, at the end of each section, which would be suitable for a brooch or the inside of a box. The combination of beautiful threads, goldwork and beads is absolutely gorgeous and make this a most appealing book. This book did exactly what the title promised. Starting with the basics of materials and equipment it gave plenty of examples which could be followed by a beginner or expanded upon by the more experienced sewer. Each step was well described and the accompanying illustrations were easy to follow as they were clear and large enough to see exactly what to do. The section covering machine embroidery was so well described that it felt that once mastered it would open up endless possibilities to embellish quite ordinary fabric and create something special. With a variety of shapes, luxurious velvets or fabrics you have made yourself and decorated whether by machine or embroidered by hand, it would be possible to make some stunning bags whatever your level of ability. Also a lovely way to make use of all the beads, threads and bits and pieces that we all acquire because it is sure to come in useful one day! * West Country Embroiderers *Table of ContentsBeautifully photographed pieces Inspirational images throughout Clear instructions for each tile and its variations Comprehensive illustrations and diagrams to guide the reader

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Book SynopsisWho invented hieroglyphics? Who did Einstein’s mathematics? Who led the defence of Viet Nam in 40 AD? Who invented the first computer? Who built the pyramid at Giza? Who developed the merino sheep? Who was the first writer in the world? Who invented the wheel? All were women. When the next person asks: Where are all the famous women artists/inventors/architects/writers/scientists? – this book will make it easy to find their names.Trade Review"Funny, instructive, entertaining, and inspiring... Use it alone or in school. I recommend it wholeheartedly." --Senta Tromel-Plotz

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Book SynopsisThis three-book box set includes: * HOCKEY JOKE BOOK: When it comes to our beloved ''good ol' hockey game,'' humour abounds in Canada. The Hockey Joke Book shows you just how funny the sport, its teams and its toothless players can be. * HOCKEY QUOTES: This book is a collection of some of the greatest, funniest and most memorable words spoken when hockey heroes swap game day for wordplay. Witty, insightful and just plain confusing quotations about coaching, hockey hair, attitude, penalties and much more. * CANADIAN HOCKEY TRIVIA: Hockey is so much a part of Canadian life that the theme song to Hockey Night in Canada has been called our unofficial national anthem. Read about the fascinating facts and stories from Canada's favorite game.

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Book SynopsisBringing together stories of athletic heroics, hard-fought rivalries, memorable characters and unforgettable moments, Michigan Sports Trivia combines the quirky, the comical and the unusual: * Detroit Tigers outfielder Gate Brown once slid into second base with a hot dog in his pocket * Fans of the Detroit Red Wings have made a tradition out of throwing an octopus on the ice for good luck during playoff games * The University of Michigan boasts three Heisman Trophy winners and a lineman named Gerald Ford who became President of the United States * And more.

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Book SynopsisThe Wildcatter attitude and thirst for winning have supplied the world with great players and personalities in nearly every sport. Bringing together stories of athletic heroics, hard-fought rivalries, memorable characters and unforgettable moments, Texas Sports Trivia combines the quirky, the comical and the unusual: * Seven-time winner of the Tour de France, Dallas-born Lance Armstrong once rode up the Champs-Elysees at the finish holding the Lone Star flag high, but nearly crashed when it caught in the chain of his bicycle. * AstroTurf got its name when it was installed in the Houston Astrodome; the real grass died after the roof''s skylights were painted over. * Before becoming president of the United States, George W. Bush was the managing partner of the Texas Rangers baseball club. * In 1973, East Texas-born George Foreman took on an undefeated Joe Frazier and knocked him out in the second round to win the World Heavyweight Championship. * The largest 100-mile cycling event in the nation, the Hotter''N Hell Hundred pays homage to our 100-degree temperatures and is contested by almost 15,000 participants in the blowtorch heat every August. * And many more...

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Book SynopsisWith the Sunshine State''s legendary coaches, influential athletes and historical sporting achievements, it''s no wonder Florida fans are so dedicated. Florida Sports Trivia highlights the interesting, fun and quirky facts that every sports fan should know: * In 1964, in his first world championship fight held in Miami Beach, it took a young Cassius Marcellus Clay less than 20 minutes to prove the oddsmakers wrong and shake up the world * The 1972 Miami Dolphins were the only team in pro football history to have gone undefeated en route to winning the Super Bowl * When University of Florida medical researchers developed a sports drink aimed at improving athletic performance, they named it after the school''s football team; Gatorade is now the number one sports energy drink * And more.

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Book SynopsisEnthusiasts and uber-fanatics of just about any sport you can think of can be found in California. Read about the interesting, kooky and popular stories that portray the rich sports culture of the Golden State: * The Oakland Raiders is one of only two teams in the NFL to have played in the Super Bowl in four different decades * During the 2007 Summer X Games, skateboarder Jake Brown fell 45 feet before crashing to the ramp; the force of the fall knocked his shoes off, and he was unconscious for eight minutes * The signature patch O''Neill Surf Shop founder Jack O''Neill wears over his left eye was the result of an accident with an overly elastic surf leash prototype invented by his son * And more.

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Book SynopsisFrom home field to home ice, from racetrack to putting green, find out about the weird and interesting side of sports from a state that has always been about more than just winning: * Herman Edwards famous ''''Miracle in the Meadowlands'''' touchdown that preserved a six-year winning streak for the Eagles against the Giants was the only fumble recovery he had in a 10-year NFL career. * In 1955, the University of Pittsburgh''s Bobby Grier was the first black player to play in the Sugar Bowl; despite receiving a ton of fan mail, the Louisiana legislature later banned blacks from playing in the Sugar Bowl. * Every current major professional sports franchise to call Pennsylvania home--Phillies, Pirates, Eagles, Steelers, Penguins, Flyers, Sixers--has won a world championship. * Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby was the youngest player to win the NHL scoring title in his second season and the youngest player in history to be named captain of his team. * And more.

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Book SynopsisOhio Sports Trivia lets you in on the little secrets every fan should know about the peculiar, unpredictable and sometimes unbelievable stories in Buckeye State sports: * LeBron James went from being Ohio''s golden boy to public enemy number one when he signed with thTe Miami Heat in 2010. * Denton ''''Cy'''' Young, born in the tiny farming community of Gilmore, became the greatest pitcher of all time. * Columbus native James ''''Buster'''' Douglas shocked the world when he K.O.-ed Iron Mike Tyson in 1990 at a bout in Tokyo, Japan. * The Reds'' Johnny Vander Meer is the only pitcher in Major League Baseball history to throw back-to-back no-hitters. * George Steinbrenner almost got the Cleveland Pipers into the NBA in the early 1960s, long before he bought the New York Yankees. * Bowling Green State University contributed two players to the ''''Miracle on Ice'''' men''s hockey team that won the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics. * And so much more.

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Book SynopsisNew York, arguably one of the sporting world''s greatest meccas can boast legendary sports records and larger-than-life athletes. Sure to entertain, New York Sports Trivia tells all about the state''s sporting history: * The Giants last-second win over Buffalo in Super Bowl XXV was the most exciting in the team''s storied history, that is until 2008, when they bumped off undefeated New England to win Super Bowl XLII * Most Yankees team batting records were set decades ago by Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio and Mantle, but in September 2009, Derek Jeter passed the Iron Horse and became the Bronx Bombers'' all-time hits leader * Syracuse University produced four great running backs in the ''50s and ''60s--Jim Brown, Larry Csonka and Floyd Little made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Ernie Davis won the Heisman Trophy * Knicks center Willis Reed''s heroic play in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA finals was so dramatic that it overshadowed what was already a career year for him and a record-setting regular season for the team * The glow of winning a gold medal with the USA''s 1980 hockey team lasted a lot longer for defenseman Ken Murrow than for his teammates; he joined the New York Islanders, who capped Morrow''s rookie season with the first of their four consecutive Stanley Cups.

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Book SynopsisOntario boasts more professional sports teams than any other Canadian province. The history of sports in Canada''s largest province is long and filled with interesting, amazing, weird and funny stories from hockey to tug-of-war: * Ottawa-born Frank McGee played hockey with only one good eye but still managed to score 14 goals in one Stanley Cup game * Although it sounds improbable, a Canadian soccer team from Galt won Olympic Gold in 1904 * Governor General of Canada Earl Grey donated the Grey Cup in 1909, but the Hamilton Tiger Seniors actually won the Grey Cup in 1908 * The Lord''s Day Act forbidding sports to be played on Sundays was put into effect in 1907 in order to keep the curlers in church * In 1947, a miracle saved the Grey Cup from being destroyed in a fire at the Argos head office--it tumbled from a shelf and got hooked on a nail, saving it from the inferno below * The Death Spiral, a common manoeuver in pairs figure skating, was invented by two skaters from Ontario, Suzanne Morrow and Wallace Diestelmeyer * Golfer George Lyon won Canada''s first and last Olympic gold medal in the sport of golf; after receiving the medal at the ceremony, he celebrated by walking on his hands across the stage.

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Book SynopsisBox set containing Weird Canadian Places, Weird Canadian Laws, and Weird Canadian Words.

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Book SynopsisBox set containing Bathroom Book of Ontario Trivia, Bathroom Book of Ontario History, and Weird Ontario Places.

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Book SynopsisThe human body may be a wonder of natural engineering but it also can be pretty gross and bad-smelling. In this fearless little book, find the answers to such profound questions as why are boogers green, why do farts smell, and where does belly button lint come from? Dare to read on!

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Book SynopsisEach of the 365 days of our Gregorian calendar is represented in this book with morsels of odd trivia, historical events, celebrity birthdays, weather anomalies and astrological information. With a decidedly Canadian twist, it''s an entertaining and enlightening new take on a day that happens every year: * January 26 is not only Wayne Gretzky''s birthday, it''s also National Peanut Brittle Day * On May 3, 1915 Canadian Solider John McCrae took only 20 minutes to compose his poem ''In Flanders Fields'' * February 29 is Sadie Hawkins Day, the official day on which a woman can ask a man to marry her * April 17, 1982 was the day Canada officially became an independent nation from Britain with the repatriation of our constitution * March 9 is Middle Name Pride Day. Benedict Martin Paul ''''Ben'''' Mulroney was born on this day in 1976. * And so much more..

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Book SynopsisDon''t walk under ladders! Place a star on the top of your Christmas tree. Superstitions and traditions often govern how we participate in life. But what of the uniquely Canadian superstitions and traditions practiced across the country? - Canadian folklore suggests eating fish from the head downward; for a filet of fish, eat the widest part first and then move downward - In Alberta, picking blackberries after October 11 is bad luck because by this time in the year, the devil has surely laid claim to the remaining berries - A First Nations ritual advises blessing a new home by taking smoldering sage from room to room and saying prayers; this will banish everything from evil spirits to ill feelings - A Manitoba urban legend says that if you run around St. Andrews-on-the-Red near Lockport three times at midnight, you''ll disappear - In dustbowl Depression-era Saskatchewan it was believed that a red sky at night in the springtime meant the next day would be a windy one, too windy for farmers to seed - According to one old folktale, the captain of a schooner off the coast of Nova Scotia turned back to port when he discovered one of his crewmen had grey mittens; undertakers wore grey mittens, so it was like asking for a death on the journey. And so much more...

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Book Synopsis'Wombat' is a cartoon strip from Vancouver artist Rod Filbrandt and the precursor to his long-lived and much loved strip, 'Dry Shave'. In 'Wombat: The Collected Comic Strip' the reader witnesses the development of a cartoon strip and the characters that fill its frames, from its nascent, raw stages, when it first ran in Discorder-a UBC Campus paper- in the late 1980s, on through numerous growth spurts, to the amazingly polished strides of the early 1990s, and finally to its sad and noirish end in 1994. One can easily see where the artist is going with his extensive cast of louts, drunkards, grifters, drifters, and wannabes of every stripe. You can almost smell the cast of 'Dry Shave' through the blue smoke and beer mist. "In the mid-'90s underground, there was a hard-drinking, heavy-smoking private eye who went on seedy, hallucinatory journeys in black-and-white - navigating hellish terrains and nastier people. It was written and drawn by Vancouver cartoonist Rod Filbrandt, and the character was named Wombat. An incredibly stylish and unique series ..." - Fast Forward Weekly (Calgary) "Running from the mid '80s until 1994, 'Wombat' showcased Rod Filbrandt's wry and jaded views on modern society and his incredible growth and progression as a cartoonist. ... a great representation of the formative years of one of the best cartoonists this country has produced." - Broken Pencil

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Book SynopsisDawson explores the very essence of human existence. In his case the answer to the ancient philosophical conundrum What sets humans apart from the animal kingdom?'' is straightforward. It is not the ability to form tools, communicate or feel empathy with our fellow planet dwellers but our desire to acquire (and retain) as much trivia as possible. In brief, this is his explanation for modern Britain''s obsession with the pub quiz and the consequent growth in the number of question and answer books, many of which have been published under the misapprehension that all a budding quiz setter needs to succeed is a large enough selection of questions that can be adapted according to circumstance. Yet, as Quiz Setting Made Easy makes clear, there are many pitfalls for the budding Magnus Magnusson, not least the murmurs of complaint from contestants attempting to answer vaguely worded and poorly researched questions. Then there are the potential disasters and the nagging doubts that bring the quiz setter out in a cold sweat in the middle of the night: Does the venue have a PA system? How do I make sure people turn up? What happens in the event of a tie? Who marks the questions, them or me? Written in light-hearted vein, Quiz Setting Made Easy is designed to soothe the quiz setter''s brow and bring back the fun to what is, after all, a leisure-time pursuit. In addition to his expert advice on the dos and don''ts of quiz setting, John illustrates the style and expertise required of the fully fledged question-master. With 72 rounds containing over 1,100 expertly worded questions, John Dawson makes enough suggestions for alternative topics, interval rounds, tie-breakers and music rounds to keep a quiz-setter going for years. His ideas could also be adapted for use in the classroom, during wet weekends in Cleethorpes or the 90 degrees heat of an M6 traffic jam... in fact anywhere humans pursue the trivial.

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Book SynopsisThe official companion to the highly popular Radio 2 Popmaster Quiz from the Ken Bruce show. Featuring more than 1700 questions it is the perfect way to test your music knowledge. There are more than 170 separate ten-question quizes each with a different category.

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Book SynopsisApplique suddenly became colourful, easy and fun with Madeleine Millington's unique designs, brimming with character. Discover the tactile qualities of wool blanket fabric, using applique and simple hand stitching to produce imaginative and original designs. This title offers lovely Christmas projects, with angels, stars and hearts aplenty! Create a festive mood with an Angel Frieze or a Christmas Stocking. Make your own decorations, including a delightful Advent Calendar with heart pockets in which to hide small gifts.Trade Review'combines applique and simple hand stitching to produce imaginative and original designs' - Stitch with the Embroiderer's Guild 'If you like the naive style applique and enjoy hand sewing then I really recommend this CD book' - Popular PatchworkTable of ContentsIntroduction; Materials; Applique Techniques; Dizzy Danglers; Plum Pudding Bag; Cool Cards; Christmas Stocking; Angel Frieze; Glitzy Angel; Treasures for Advent; Suppliers

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Book SynopsisThe Spanish opening, 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, is so respected that many Black players immediately start defending. Brunello shows that Black can engage in a tense fight for the win right from the start. The three gambits considered in this book have all been tested by top-10 players, with good results, within the last year.The Marshall AttackThe Marshall Attack,1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d5, is sound and aggressive, so it is no surprise that it is favoured by the world's best. The theory is so complex that an expert guide is required, and Brunello is well suited to the task, having played the Marshall for most of his chess career.The SchliemannThe Schliemann 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5, with its reversed King's Gambit flair, has always been popular with club players, but grandmasters knew it was unsound. Then Teimour Radjabov started playing it successfully against the elite and sparked a revival.The Gajewski variationThe Gajewski variation, 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 0-0 9.h3 Na5 10.Bc2 d5, is brand new. The position after White's tenth move had been reached a thousand times with 10c5 universally played, when in the summer of 2007 the Polish grandmaster Gajewski revealed that Black has a fascinating gambit at his disposal.

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Book SynopsisThe Bad Bishop is a notorious villain in chess, but often a perfectly respectable bishop is falsely accused. The Secret Life of Bad Bishops takes an in-depth look at the bishop ? not just dealing with good and bad bishops but also more nuanced cases where a ?double-edged bishop? could turn out to be a game-winning hero or a fatal liability. All phases of chess are covered, from opening to middlegame to endgame. The final two chapters test the reader?s newly enhanced understanding with carefully chosen exercises and instructive solutions.

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Book SynopsisIn 2013 chess returned to world headlines. The energetic Norwegian prodigy Magnus Carlsen was front page news and his fans were not disappointed: the World Number 1 won the World Championship.Carlsen's Assault on the Throne gives an inside view of Carlsen's dramatic journey: from one of eight challengers in the London Candidates tournament, with the near disaster in the final rounds, ending with triumph in Chennai.With behind-the-scenes stories and top-level analysis of the games Kotronias & Logothetis have written the ultimate book on how Carlsen became the 16th undisputed World Champion.

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Book SynopsisThis book celebrates fifty years of the famous Italian chess tournament. All the games are analyzed, many of them by the players themselves: those sharing their wisdom include award-winning author Mihail Marin, rising star Ni Hua, tournament winner Zoltan Almasi and the legendary Viktor Korchnoi. In addition, photographs and entertaining stories take the reader behind the scenes at a top-class chess tournament.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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