This suggests that it is time for me to repeat my pitch
(made in 2001) for J. E. Gordon's book(s).
There is a chapter about *wooden boats.*
Believe me, all true Pinheads will love this book.
Ask for it for Christmas.

1. The new science of strong materials,
or why you don't fall through the floor,
by J. E. Gordon.
(My copy is a Princeton Univ. Press paperback.)
You can tell by the subtitle that this was written for Pinheads
(among others).  Gordon begins, true to his subtitle,
by explaining how Newton's law of equal and opposite reaction
is what keeps you from falling through the floor.
Most of the rest of the book is less scientific
and more entertaining.  I promise you will love it.

2.  His second title "Structures, or why things don't fall down"
is not quite so good.  If you're like me, the first book
will make you want to read the second one,
but you may be a little disappointed -- I was.
Still, it beats TV (or radio).

>Date:    Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:10:09 -0500
>From:    John Leeke <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: marlinspike seamanship
>
>>>Whatever
>happened to marlinspike seamanship? Maybe ship-sized marlinspikes are bigger
>than boat-sized.  Or there are different-sized fists.<<
>
>My brother served on a nuclear sub in the 1960s & 70s. He said they kept bundles of hardwood and softwood wedges throughout the sub for the emergency stopping of leaks and holes. Also, the main propeller shaft bearings were made of lignum vitae wood.
>
>John



Martin C. Tangora
University of Illinois at Chicago
[log in to unmask]

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