Buzzwords:: A Scientist Muses on Sex, Bugs, and Rock 'n' Roll

by May R. Berenbaum

Book Overview

What sort of person devotes their life to the study of bugs? How do you picture your average, every-day entomologist? "I've been photographed on several occasions," writes author May Berenbaum, "and it seems that every time, photographers ask me to pose in one of three ways: seated in front of a microscope, with an insect (usually a cockroach) on my face, or with an insect net clutched in my hand."

In Buzzwords, Berenbaum expertly...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0309068355
• ISBN13: 9780309068352
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Joseph Henry Press
• Length: 318 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Compilation of Humorous Bug Essays

Author May R. Berenbaum is head of the Entomology Dept. at U of Illinois and is a distinguished insect researcher and humorist. She has somewhat of a cartoonist Gary Larson ("The Far Side") sense of humor and this book is a compilation of her short articles that appeared in the "American Entomologist" from 1991 to 1999. With such article headings as: "On elderly ants", "Fatal attractions", "Roach clips and other short subjects", "Infield flies and other sporting types", "Subpoenas envy", etc., one will find a hilarious, pun-filled book full of laughs. No wonder then that such a distinguished scientist as sociobiologist E. O. Wilson ("Diversity of Life", et al.) gave this nod to Berenbaum's book: "No one in recent years has written on insects with more learning, passion, and disarming humor than May Berenbaum. She is a great friend of the Hexapoda and therefore, ultimately, us"- from the back cover. Indeed!

Love 'em, hate 'em, laugh at 'em.

Buzzwords, a compilation of humor columns written for American Entomologist by May Berenbaum from 1991-1999, combines science and wit with a little bit of everyday life to come up with some pretty funny - and interesting - stuff for entomologists and entomologist wanna-bes. While these essays were written for the scientific community and there are occasional lapses into research methods or Latin syntax, for the most part the essays are in common English and provide some great information on insects in a much lighter format than the average scientific texts. For example, essays like "Putting on Airs," in which Berenbaum documents the years of research scientists have spent calculating exactly how much methane gas termites are responsible for producing (i.e.: how much termites fart), and "Inquiring Minds Want to Know" which details how often cockroaches make the pages of tabloid magazines, there is much for the non-entomologist to enjoy. Of course Berenbaum deals with the more serious side of entomology as well, such as in the essay "Just Say Notoclontid?" that details the former president George Bush's plan to raid coca fields by dropping caterpillars from helicopters as part of his efforts on the "war on drugs," she just does it a little tounge-in-cheek. Overall, Buzzwords is an educational book with a dose of humor, fun to read and, best of all, it won't leave you itchy all over!

Think insects are boring? Think again.

Let's start simply. This is a great book. It's not a great book in the way 'War and Peace' is a great book. It's great in the way 'Calvin and Hobbes' was a great comic strip, or 'Monty Python' was a great TV show. It's about insects - wait, don't run away. Buzzwords looks at our world's bugs, and those who study them, from a different point of view than you're used to. This is no high-school science class book. This is a high-school locker room book. Its topics range from calculating termite farts to what educators could learn from porno titles. It does have a few more standard scientific parts, but no chapter will leave you without several good laughs. If you're at all into insects, so much the better. Not only can you steal a few good jokes from Ms Berenbaum (I'm a fan of her puns, like the chapter titled 'Supoenas Envy), but you can show everyone that entomology can be very cool indeed. A must have for fans of either laughter or bugs.

A scientist muses on sex, bugs, and rock

A scientist muses on sex, bugs, and rock in a humorous entomology title which will invite many non-bug fans to read. From how entomologists see insects (as opposed to the rest of the world) to reflections on pets and internet culture, Buzzwords creates a lively survey of the worlds of man and insect.

Excellent books for anyone, not just entomologists!

M.R. Berenbaum, who regularly contributes a column to the journal American Entomologist and an entomologist herself, presents insects and entomologist in a accurate and humorous way that anyone can appreciate. It's nice to find a good science book that is easy to read and comprehend. I use the articles in my high school biology class and my students think they are hilarious!