“In part an account of sociological fieldwork among scientists in the field and part astronomy-history mystery. . . . a terrific read.” —Nature Gravity’s Ghost and Big Dog brings to life science’s efforts to detect cosmic gravitational waves. These ripples in space-time are predicted by general relativity, and their discovery will not only demonstrate the truth of Einstein’s theories but also transform astronomy. Although no gravitational wave has ever been directly detected, the previous five years have been an exciting period in the field. Sociologist Harry Collins offers readers an unprecedented view of the research and explains what it means for an analyst to do work of this kind. Collins was embedded with the gravitational wave physicists as they confronted two possible discoveries—“Big Dog,” fully analyzed in this volume for the first time, and the “Equinox Event,” which was first chronicled by Collins in Gravity’s Ghost. Collins records the agonizing arguments that arose as the scientists worked out what they had seen and how to present it to the world, along the way demonstrating how even the most statistical of sciences rest on social and philosophical choices. Gravity’s Ghost and Big Dog draws on nearly fifty years of fieldwork observing scientists at the American Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory and elsewhere around the world to offer an inspired commentary on the place of science in society today. “The physics junkie or philosophy of science enthusiast . . . will find lots to mull over.” —Science News “Makes for very entertaining reading.” —Daniel Kennefick, University of Arkansas, author of Traveling at the Speed of Thought

In A Little Dog’s Adventures in a Big Dog’s World, the author recounts the heartwarming story of her bond with her Pug-Beagle mix, Winnie, as they trained together to become a detection team in the sport of Nose Work. This book not only shares the joys and challenges of this hobby, but also delves into the unique bond between dog and owner, offering insight and understanding into the world of dogs. For those who love animals or have always wondered why their dog is so focused on their every move, this book is a must-read. With honest and personal anecdotes, the author’s story of how Nose Work has impacted her life will be sure to inspire you to look at your own relationship with your dog in a new light.

¡Yo quiero! The heartwarming true story of the camera-ready Chihuahua who became a pint-sized superstar. Her name was Gidget. To the world, she was the Taco Bell dog. This is the extraordinary story of an irresistible pup's life, and that of her devoted trainer, Sue Chipperton. It is not only the story of an adorable television star, but also that of Sue's successful training techniques, and her fascinating stories of working with both human and animal stars, like Mooni, Gidget's Chihuahua roommate and the eventual star of Legally Blonde. Sue shares her delightful tales, investing humor, warmth, and rare insight into one of the freshest and most fun Hollywood success stories ever told.

Set on a farm in a small, worn-out city that was once a booming industrial center, this coming of age novel is told from the points of view of several characters. It examines the profound bonds formed between people, animals, and the world around them.

For Jesse, time had stood still for thirty years. But now, forced off the hippie commune by the mysterious death of his lover, Annie, he finds himself catapulted into the surreal terrain of post-Sixties America. He struggles to adapt, but overshoots the mark, nearly losing his soul to yuppiedom. Meanwhile, evidence mounts pointing to Jesse as the murderer of his beloved. Could he have done the unthinkable while in a drug-induced fugue state? His carefully crafted new life teetering out of control, he loses his way - until the lovely and soulful Clare helps guide him back to the garden.