Eric Hansen

Have you ever wondered how Santa manages to get ready for Christmas Eve? Just whos in charge at the North Pole, anyway? Actually, it takes a business CEO which stands for Chief Executive Officer to make sure everything runs smoothly, and Santa could sure use one. Children will love the book "Ian, CEO, North Pole." which blends modern day technology with Christmas spirit. Ian is a shy but bright and upcoming member of Santas workshop. He loves a challenge, and Santa sees Ian as definite management potential, but first Ian has to prove himself. He has to undergo some heavy-duty training but soon finds a trusted ally and friend in Elise, and they make an outstanding team. See what happens one Christmas Eve when somewhere over Middle America heavy fogs rolls in, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer starts sneezing and his bright nose flickers out, and Santa is in for the shock of his life. What can Ian and Elise do to put Santa back on track? This brilliantly written tale reminds us that Christmas is a state of mind and the true spirit of the holiday season is what brings us all together. And finally Children can benefit from leadership skills at an early age. They can gain more self-esteem and interact more easily and effectively with peers. In this book they can follow Ian and Elise as they acquire their leadership skills.

Eric Hansen survives a cyclone on a boat off the Australian coast, cradles a dying man in Calcutta, and drinks mind-altering kava in Vanuatu. He helps a widower search for his wifes wedding ring amid plane-crash wreckage in Borneo and accompanies topless dancers on a bird-watching expedition in California. From the Maldives to Sacramento, from Cannes to Washington Heights, Eric Hansen has a way of getting himself into the most sacred ceremonies and the most candid conversations.

The acclaimed author of Motoring with Mohammed brings us a compelling adventure into the remarkable world of the orchid and the impossibly bizarre array of international characters who dedicte their lives to it.The orchid is used for everything from medicine for elephants to an aphrodisiac ice cream. A Malaysian species can grow to weigh half a ton while a South American species fires miniature pollen darts at nectar-sucking bees. But the orchid is also the center of an illicit international business: one grower in Santa Barbara tends his plants while toting an Uzi, and a former collector has been in hiding for seven years after serving a jail sentence for smuggling thirty dollars worth of orchids into Britain. Deftly written and captivatingly researched, Orchid Fever is an endlessly enchanting and entertaining tour of an exotic world."A wonderful book, Ive been up all night reading it, laughing and crying out in horror and clucking at the vivid images of bureaucracy with the bit in its teeth." Annie Proulx"An extraordinary, well-told tale of botany, obsession and plant politics. Hansens vivid descriptions of the complex techniques some orchids use to pollinate themselves will raise your eyebrows at natures sexual ingenuity." USA Today

Hiking Michigans Upper Peninsula features fifty of the best hikes in Michigans beautiful Upper Peninsula. Detailed maps and trail descriptions make navigating these wonderful trails easy, from family-friend strolls to popular vistas to hillier wooded pathways. FalconGuides have set the standard for outdoor guidebooks for more than thirty-five years. Written by top experts, each guide invites you to experience the adventure and beauty of the outdoors. Look inside to find: Hikes suited to every ability Mile-by-mile directional cues Difficulty ratings, trail contacts, fees/permits, and best hiking seasons An index of hikes by categoryfrom easy day hikes to waterfalls Invaluable trip-planning information, including local lodging and campgrounds Full-color photos throughout GPS coordinates

Since the fighting Irish first took to the field in 1887, Notre Dame has developed an incomparable level of tradition and achievementboth on the gridiron and in the classroom. With a record ninety-six All-American players and seven Heisman Trophy winners, its no wonder several of Notre Dames stars have gone on not only to star in the NFL, but also to successful careers and accolades in all walks of life.Notre Dame: Where Have You Gone? catches up with Fighting Irish playersfrom All-Americans and a former head coach to a few guys who barely made it off the bench, but reached their greatest achievement after leaving football. Fans will read how quarterback Tom Krug became Dick Vitales grandson, receiver Joey Getherall came to join the Los Angeles police department, and running back Nick Eddy is now teaching special education. These and countless other stories capture the flavor and spirit that is Notre Dame football.

Hiking Michigans Upper Peninsula features fifty of the best hikes in Michigans beautiful Upper Peninsula. Detailed maps and trail descriptions make navigating these wonderful trails easy, from family-friend strolls to popular vistas to hillier wooded pathways. Look inside to find: Hikes suited to every ability Mile-by-mile directional cues Difficulty ratings, trail contacts, fees/permits, and best hiking seasons An index of hikes by categoryfrom easy day hikes to waterfalls Invaluable trip-planning information, including local lodging and campgrounds Full-color photos throughout GPS coordinates

Profiles 64 of the best hikes in the state. Detailed maps and directions and a superb selection of day hikes and overnight trips make this book accessible to all hiking enthusiasts, from families out for a summer walk in the woods to outdoor fanatics.