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Five Billion Years of SolitudeFive Billion Years of Solitude, eBookThe Search for Life Among the Stars
by Billings, LeeeBook - 2013eBook, 2013
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Feb 24, 2019
The Copernicus ComplexThe Copernicus Complex, eBookOur Cosmic Significance in A Universe of Planets and Probabilities
by Scharf, CalebeBook - 2014eBook, 2014
Available
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Feb 17, 2019
Comment:
Although I learned some things from this book, it was a bit wordy, retraced well-known astronomical discoveries, couldn’t make up its mind to explain things using the metric or English system, and assumed readers knew some lesser-explained facts. I wish he could have dwelt more on how biochemistry may have started, or how we now know as much as we do about the distant planets.
If you are new to exploring some of the grand questions of our place in the universe, you may find this book a good overview, but if you have read a lot in this area, you may be more satisfied and educated by reading more as separate subjects the details of planetary formation, abiogenesis (formation of life), and the structure of the universe.Although I learned some things from this book, it was a bit wordy, retraced well-known astronomical discoveries, couldn’t make up its mind to explain things using the metric or English system, and assumed readers knew some lesser-explained facts. I…
Light of the StarsLight of the Stars, eBookAlien Worlds and the Fate of the Earth
by Frank, AdameBook - 2018eBook, 2018
All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 1 copy
Holds: 1 on 1 copy
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2019
Comment:
Well written in a very readable manner, it presents the changes in Earth itself as a result of non-life and living beings as agents of change. The author explains that some of the “disasters,” such as the creation of oxygen, poisonous to microbes, by photosynthetic plants, made way for the next change, as in this case, the development of multi-cellular life. We are still along this road in what he calls the Anthropocene, emerging from the Holocene, our current epoch. He gives the results of mathematical probability that life exists or existed among the hundreds of millions of planets likely in just in our galaxy, and another way to look at it, the unlikelihood that we are “alone.”
The author makes sure that we understand that we are on a path to destroy our entire environment by our use of fossil fuels. He gives examples of prior thriving civilizations that went into sudden, catastrophic collapse, e.g., Easter Island. This process may have or is happening to other possible worlds, which may answer Fermi’s famous remark, “Where are they?”
If you think of man as the ultimate “goal” of evolution, rather than another experiment Earth is doing, this book may not interest you, but for others it may help to put ourselves into the grand scheme of planetary development, of which we are an integral part. The author could have spent more time on the "population bomb" that others have mentioned, and that our fossil fuel addiction would, I think, be greatly reduced if we concentrated on reducing via birth control methods and our innate desires to produce move of ourselves. Also I think a little more discussion of what we may “evolve” ourselves into or create to replace ourselves would be in order, and how some of those speculative forms may be life’s next step. For sure, he points out, the Earth doesn’t need “saving,” as it will do just fine with or without us.Well written in a very readable manner, it presents the changes in Earth itself as a result of non-life and living beings as agents of change. The author explains that some of the “disasters,” such as the creation of oxygen, poisonous to microbes,…
The Half-Life of Facts: Why Everything We Know Has An Expiration DateThe Half-Life of Facts: Why Everything We Know Has An Expiration Date, eBook
by Arbesman, SamueleBook - 2012eBook, 2012
Available
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Jan 10, 2019
Comment:
This encompasses most if not all that we know about everything. Specifically, it states that too much of what we do know, believe, surmise about science, ourselves, medicine, history, etc., is subject to revision on a regular mathematical basis. Although no one can pin-point when the next block-buster invention will be made, when the next rewrite of evolution will happen, when your familiar electronic devices will become obsolete, these are more predictable than one could imagine, and we have made a science of this subject. Most interestingly is that they all “wear out” or have a definite “half-life” like radioactive substances, not being able to say exactly which atom will decay next, but on average over time a certain, definite amount will.
I recommend this very readable, well-written book that has relevance to us all and our progeny. I do wish some reference (at least I could not find it) to “Future Shock” by Alvin Toffler was made, since it covers some of the same area but written several decades ago.
(I posted it suitable for "over 18" since the much younger might have a difficult time relating to the issues; however, it is quite suitable for any age to read.)This encompasses most if not all that we know about everything. Specifically, it states that too much of what we do know, believe, surmise about science, ourselves, medicine, history, etc., is subject to revision on a regular mathematical basis. …
Suitability
Ages 18
A Survival Guide to the Misinformation AgeA Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age, eBookScientific Habits of Mind
by Helfand, D. J.eBook - 2016eBook, 2016
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Dec 25, 2018
Comment:
Packed with information about science and non-science in a readable manner, this book could be informative to those not familiar with the scientific method. As an informed reader and a person somewhat educated in science, I found nevertheless that the book wanders a bit and becomes tedious in places. He makes a good point that a scientific theory must also be refutable; hence any belief system such as creationism should not be taught as science in schools.
He also gives weight to our evolution in coming to conclusions: the quicker and simpler the better as a survival mechanism in the wilds.
I am not so sure about the “survival guide” (for today’s world) in the title, since most disasters that can hit us are on a national or global scale that we have little control over; whereas we can help ourselves and children survive epidemics by inoculation, per his example. Perhaps this book can crack open the door to these ideas for those who are standing outside now.Packed with information about science and non-science in a readable manner, this book could be informative to those not familiar with the scientific method. As an informed reader and a person somewhat educated in science, I found nevertheless that…
The Tangled TreeThe Tangled Tree, BookA Radical New History of Life
by Quammen, DavidBook - 2018Book, 2018
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Dec 03, 2018
Comment:
A long and twisted history of biology that seems to ramble more than it should. Although interesting in learning how science really works, there was too much description of the people and conferences and debate over the kingdoms and domains of life. More detail about how our genes code for proteins and a more solid scaffolding of the current view(s) of the way to categorize life would be preferable to the endless back-and-forths. Although there is some interesting science, too much relates to the personalities involved.
If you are interested in the people of biological thinking over the past century and a half, this could be your book; otherwise a biology textbook (I found one) would be better to read, illustrated well and less confusing.A long and twisted history of biology that seems to ramble more than it should. Although interesting in learning how science really works, there was too much description of the people and conferences and debate over the kingdoms and domains of…
The Tangled TreeThe Tangled Tree, eBookA Radical New History of Life
by Quammen, DavideBook - 2018eBook, 2018
All copies in use
Holds: 4 on 1 copy
Holds: 4 on 1 copy
Added Nov 29, 2018
Drug Dealer, MDDrug Dealer, MD, eBookHow Doctors Were Duped, Patients Got Hooked, and Why It's So Hard to Stop
by Lembke, AnnaeBook - 2016eBook, 2016
Available
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Nov 29, 2018
Comment:
The subject is well presented showing how the medical, pharmacy, insurance industry and government agencies have helped to promote this crisis. Most are with the best intentions but there are some greedy players, who, well put by one victim: a drug addict pretending to be a patient to a drug dealer pretending to be a doctor. There are more deaths from drug addiction, much from legal sources, than from automobile accidents or other major diseases. There is some hope now as this crisis is being recognized. This is a good warning to all us that we could become addicted to the pain drugs meant to help us, and then no help to save us from that addiction.
Recommend especially to parents who, wishing to promote their children’s learning and welfare, give them prescription pills in increasing number at earlier ages rather than working on behavioral methods as a first and major method.The subject is well presented showing how the medical, pharmacy, insurance industry and government agencies have helped to promote this crisis. Most are with the best intentions but there are some greedy players, who, well put by one victim: a drug…
Added Nov 28, 2018
The Next AmericaThe Next America, eBookBoomers, Millennials, and the Looming Generational Showdown
by Taylor, PauleBook - 2014eBook, 2014
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Nov 12, 2018
Comment:
A very statistical book with most of the research from the Pew foundation. I appreciated the ideas backed up with solid research, but felt it lacking in “story.” Too much of it was such-and-such percentages of this generation vs. another. I would have liked it better if it had worked on, say, three examples from each of the four generations, told their story, struggles, and hopes, more like Taylor illustrated in chapter 11.
Most informed people know that our society is getting older, more mixed race and gender, and less religious, but there are some interesting points to consider that are not so well known such as countries “depopulating” themselves, the need of families to live together more and the likelihood of the older giving more care for the younger than the other way around.A very statistical book with most of the research from the Pew foundation. I appreciated the ideas backed up with solid research, but felt it lacking in “story.” Too much of it was such-and-such percentages of this generation vs. another. I would…
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Oct 14, 2018
Comment:
The mind is a mystery to even the best of scientists. Taking slices of the brain to the tiniest of pieces to find out how thoughts and even consciousness is accomplished, which Eagleman calls “reductionism,” does not work except for the largest areas. A century from now, our knowledge of the brain will seem very primitive by comparison, he believes.
However, we can get some general understanding of the mind by experiments that have been done by asking subjects what they think about various things. He explores the idea of many contending, hidden “yous” beneath the surface and what you think you are thinking seems obvious, because it is the one and only one “you,” but is actually the result of the contending forces. Criminality and proper punishment (rehabilitation?) are also a topic, given that some have predispositions, particularly males, for violence, i.e., they “can’t help it,” and that not all genetic traits are sure to happen, since experience and training figure in.
You will likely learn something from reading this book and will appreciate the humble attitude, common language, and logical approach that Eagleman takes toward this towering subject.The mind is a mystery to even the best of scientists. Taking slices of the brain to the tiniest of pieces to find out how thoughts and even consciousness is accomplished, which Eagleman calls “reductionism,” does not work except for the largest…
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Sep 28, 2018
Comment:
Another book written by a successful author about modern physics that contains a lot of rehashing of ideas, not explanatory in many areas, and some purely speculative and some non-scientific. If you are here to learn what “now” is, this book may leave you disappointed.
Examples: the author mentions absolute temperature, but does not define it as a negative 273 degrees below zero, centigrade, or why that scale is used, and its significance (molecular motion stops at zero absolute degrees). He mentions the mathematical function “cosine” (cos) but does not explain it. He states that he has a “soul,” a non-scientific idea by his own standards, which belongs in a book of religion, not science.
The science in the book jumps around in a jumbled way more suitable for a talk from an armchair than a book where the readers, presumably, want to learn about the ideas and hard facts that are known in an expository manner concerning the subject of time.
For “now,” as it were, skip this book and look elsewhere.Another book written by a successful author about modern physics that contains a lot of rehashing of ideas, not explanatory in many areas, and some purely speculative and some non-scientific. If you are here to learn what “now” is, this book may…
The GridThe Grid, eBookThe Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future
by Bakke, Gretchen AnnaeBook - 2016eBook, 2016
Available
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Sep 05, 2018
Comment:
I think that most of us consider the electric grid as an already-solved problem on how to distribute electricity, which so much of our world depends upon now, myself among them before reading this book. Bakke points out that it evolved in the late 19th century and proceeded to grow using early 20th century thinking and is by now in serious need of a 21st century update. More frequent blackouts lasting longer are symptoms of the problem. However (my analogy) if we decided that the Interstate Highway system was poorly designed, it would be terribly expensive to rip up and start over with something new and better.
Bakke suggests that the grid problem is also very difficult, but there are new ideas that are coming around and that we should keep an open mind to, like personal generators for the home. Wind farms, solar fields, geothermal, coal, hydro, and nuclear are also sources of electricity, but they need to part of the overall solution, not just “I got mine, you get yours” (my wording).
Overall a good explanation of the history and problems, but I’d like to have had a little more on the technical side (watts, joules, amps, ohms, volts) in the text or footnotes so that one can get a real grasp of what electricity is and how it is measured and ultimately paid for by its users. Some of the writing gets tedious at the end when she is pushing us to realize that we need to change this over-a-century-old servant before it becomes too broken to fix.I think that most of us consider the electric grid as an already-solved problem on how to distribute electricity, which so much of our world depends upon now, myself among them before reading this book. Bakke points out that it evolved in the late…
The Space BaronsThe Space Barons, eBookElon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos
by Davenport, ChristianeBook - 2018eBook, 2018
Available
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Aug 24, 2018
Comment:
It is as said, “Space is hard.” Of the contenders for space, it seems that Musk and Bezos are the closest to making space travel a reality for the common person, as well as a colony on the Moon and eventually Mars. While Musk is well known for Tesla car and Bezos for Amazon, these are more like a means to the goal of commercial space travel.
The poor follow-up to our Moon landings is discussed. There are new space leaders—private individuals—willing to spend their own money on space travel until NASA funds them or they can make money with paid space passengers.
A very readable book that will get you up-to-date on our progress in space. One can admire the drive of these pioneers, but honestly, even if I were smart enough to be able to work for them, I think it would be too difficult and arduous.
I would have liked to have read more about what other countries are doing or planning to do now in order to put the efforts of the U.S. in perspective. And with a topic like this the end of the last chapter has to be “To Be Continued…”It is as said, “Space is hard.” Of the contenders for space, it seems that Musk and Bezos are the closest to making space travel a reality for the common person, as well as a colony on the Moon and eventually Mars. While Musk is well known for…
Elon MuskElon Musk, eBookTesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for A Fantastic Future
by Vance, AshleeeBook - 2015eBook, 2015
Available
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Jul 21, 2018
Comment:
Vance writes a very thorough story about Elon Musk, starting in childhood and progressing through his early adulthood about his ambitions, near failures, fabulous successes, and future hopes today. If this were a novel, I’d say it couldn’t be real, but it is. Vance obtained information previously unavailable to the public by meetings with Musk (even though obtaining contact with him was very difficult); however, she does not white-wash his flaws. We learn that Musk is obsessed by his drive to make a better future for humanity but also very hard even on loyal people. He sees transportation, space travel and electrical power as answers to a better world and perhaps the saviors of humanity.
The event-driven-writing style is very professional as though documenting the life of a long-past era (even with some four-letter words, perhaps to match Musk’s style of speech) is excellent. If you are a “futurist,” interested in applied science, attaining “impossible” goals, or just wondering what your next car might be like, I highly recommend it.Vance writes a very thorough story about Elon Musk, starting in childhood and progressing through his early adulthood about his ambitions, near failures, fabulous successes, and future hopes today. If this were a novel, I’d say it couldn’t be real,…
The Master AlgorithmThe Master Algorithm, BookHow the Quest for the Ultimate Learning Machine Will Remake Our World
by Domingos, PedroBook - 2015Book, 2015
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Jun 21, 2018
The Singularity Is NearThe Singularity Is Near, eBookWhen Humans Transcend Biology
by Kurzweil, RayeBook - 2005eBook, 2005
All copies in use
Holds: 4 on 3 copies
Holds: 4 on 3 copies
Added May 29, 2018
Comment:
I won't "star" rate this because I hardly read any of it for these reasons. Maybe you will have a better experience. 1) the downloading process seemed not to complete; maybe it was a bad day for the library computer. 2) The main part starts, strangely, in Chapter Three and goes on for pages and pages about the semiconductor/electronics revolution, not AI. 3) The author states numerous times "...as I explained in my (other) book..." or "I am going to tell you about it later in Chapter...). I have little patience for authors who continually self-reference, as though not knowing how to proceed or by arrogance that they "know it all." The explanations I read are a skimming over the top of the subjects. If you are looking for a book about AI, I'd suggest trying other titles.I won't "star" rate this because I hardly read any of it for these reasons. Maybe you will have a better experience. 1) the downloading process seemed not to complete; maybe it was a bad day for the library computer. 2) The main part starts,…
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added May 08, 2018
Comment:
“Dummies” is a catchy title used for years to explain difficult subjects, and it is supposed to mean, I think, that despite the complexity, I, an ordinary person, could comprehend it. More honestly the title might be “Genetics: A Comprehensive Introduction,” which I think would scare away many potential readers.
The subject is covered in depth, from the structure of the genetic elements to their real-world consequences, but I had several difficulties, some related to what was discussed and others to the quirkiness of the electronic book I received. To make it seem written for “dummies,” there is too much previewing what the author is planning to explain and chapter flip-forwards to learn more and chapter flip backs to review what was explained. My e-book did not have a chapter list or index, that I could find, and italics were jammed together with nonitalic words, making reading difficult.
I got a lot of what I wanted from the first parts of the book, restoring the basics of genetics that I learned in high school and an introductory college course. However, I did bail out early, perhaps to pick another genetics title from the library. You may do far better than I, but I’d suggest thinking of this as a textbook to study, not breeze through.“Dummies” is a catchy title used for years to explain difficult subjects, and it is supposed to mean, I think, that despite the complexity, I, an ordinary person, could comprehend it. More honestly the title might be “Genetics: A Comprehensive…
Brave New WorldBrave New World, eBook
by Huxley, AldouseBook - 2002eBook, 2002
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 3 copies
Holds: 0 on 3 copies
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added May 04, 2018
Comment:
This famous novel was published in 1932, pre-WW2, pre-television, pre-personal computer, pre-Internet, pre-cell phone, and perhaps it was meant to warn us what a perfectionist, totalitarian society with access to reproduction controls, would be. The liberalism of sex for pleasure only not primarily for family, was likely very shocking at that time. People may have been more liberal than they’d admit, but today sex before marriage or even pregnancy without marriage is hardly earth-shaking. I am reminded of Metropolis with its class distinctions and wholly outdated ideas of where society would be in the future, but I liked it for an historic view of that kind of writing, which is contemporaneous with this novel. But BNW I found it not very interesting, perhaps for the writing style, predictions, down-beat ending…I am not sure. Granted that so much of contemporary science fiction is likely way off but more engaging, I still cannot give this one a “pass.” Students of literature might find that the thoughts of the writer, his style, and predictions are worth the reading.This famous novel was published in 1932, pre-WW2, pre-television, pre-personal computer, pre-Internet, pre-cell phone, and perhaps it was meant to warn us what a perfectionist, totalitarian society with access to reproduction controls, would be. …
The Eerie SilenceThe Eerie Silence, eBookRenewing Our Search for Alien Intelligence
by Davies, P. C. W.eBook - 2011eBook, 2011
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Apr 04, 2018
Comment:
On the surface, this book addresses SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, but also delves into how and what life is on the Earth, the history of SETI, the future of man, and the possible repercussions of finding an “ET” in the universe. But the book covers too much territory and time-span. It is evident that Davies knows many things, some of which I question the accuracy of (e.g., are there 400 or 200 billion stars in our galaxy) but also not important to his points. At times I felt talked-down to, and at other times he makes assumptions of the reader knowing perhaps more (e.g., he uses the term “light year,” which most readers would know, but only later on does he define it for those who don’t). Davies states that he does not think that we’ll find intelligent life in the visible universe, an astonishing admission by someone who works on it, but that SETI is nevertheless a worthwhile human endeavor because it advances science.
Read this if you are looking for a grand overview of life on Earth and possibly finding the presence of life elsewhere, but at the end, you may feel as I do: “I’m glad that’s over with.”On the surface, this book addresses SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, but also delves into how and what life is on the Earth, the history of SETI, the future of man, and the possible repercussions of finding an “ET” in the…
Suitability
All ages
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Mar 27, 2018
Comment:
Was a bit misleading based upon the title. Although the characters are “pioneers,” the story is more about their personal experiences in a pioneering area. About a quarter though the book, the family faces a financial crisis, and the main character suggests a fix in half a page. The next chapter opens up twenty years later with the problem solved and financial success. Three quarters though the book, a tragic event hit and takes off on the consequences of it.
I expected to learn about the details of the family struggling though the pioneering of the land, the ups and downs and insights. Because of the success reported without the doubts that the solution was correct along the way, it makes it seem too easy. The quality of the writing and descriptive power is very good, as is Willa Cather’s other novels, but this one was more like a traditional novel than an epic about people settling a land.Was a bit misleading based upon the title. Although the characters are “pioneers,” the story is more about their personal experiences in a pioneering area. About a quarter though the book, the family faces a financial crisis, and the main…
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2018
Comment:
Written in a readable manner without too much scientific jargon, this book presents going to Mars and living there as a definite possibility in the next decade or two. From the title, one can understand that the author is enthusiastic about the race of man going to its second planet to establish a safeguard against its annihilation due to our poisoning of our first home or a grand cosmic accident.
I learned that NASA is more interested in traveling to Mars and settling it with people than I had thought, but after giving up on anything so adventuresome after “winning” the space race in 1969 by our Moon landing, I wondered if we’d head for the Red Planet. Fortunately, we have businesses that want to go there for various reasons and I think might be able to help NASA or make it a race between them.
If you are looking for a scientific “wow” moment, this book will not do it for you, but you will learn about the expected problems, their proposed solutions and a plethora of unknowns that could still plague the first colonists to our neighbor.Written in a readable manner without too much scientific jargon, this book presents going to Mars and living there as a definite possibility in the next decade or two. From the title, one can understand that the author is enthusiastic about the…
Physics of the ImpossiblePhysics of the Impossible, eBookA Scientific Exploration Into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel
by Kaku, MichioeBook - 2008eBook, 2008
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2018
Comment:
The book is highly readable, non-technical and communicative to the ordinary person. I can recommend it, but be ready for a long journey through present, past and future speculative physics. The author is a well-known physicist and writer and it would be hard for most of us to come away from the book without learning something or re-learning forgotten facts. But I wish it had a more narrow scope, perhaps focusing on the possibility of things like “ray guns,” teleportation and faster-than light travel as commonly portrayed in science fiction.The book is highly readable, non-technical and communicative to the ordinary person. I can recommend it, but be ready for a long journey through present, past and future speculative physics. The author is a well-known physicist and writer and it…
I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011, eBook
by Tarshis, LaureneBook - 2013eBook, 2013
All copies in use
Holds: 2 on 1 copy
Holds: 2 on 1 copy
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Feb 24, 2018
Comment:
Written at the Junior High School level, it is a first-hand account of a boy, his brother and his cat surviving the horrible flood and devastation of a monster tsunami. Only 100 pages long, a twelve-year-old would have little trouble finishing the book and could easily identify with the terror the boy experienced.
However, for an adult reader, it lacks the adult vocabulary and perspective needed to make this more than a children’s book, despite the gravitas of the situation. I could not recommend this for adults to read about the 2011 disaster that struck Japan.Written at the Junior High School level, it is a first-hand account of a boy, his brother and his cat surviving the horrible flood and devastation of a monster tsunami. Only 100 pages long, a twelve-year-old would have little trouble finishing the…
A Universe From NothingA Universe From Nothing, eBookWhy There Is Something Rather Than Nothing
by Krauss, Lawrence MaxwelleBook - 2014eBook, 2014
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
SeattleSaul's rating:
Added Feb 14, 2018
Comment:
The main theme for this book is how we got our universe from absolutely nothing at all, but I find that the explanation is not fully satisfactory. Is “nothing” the vacuum of space itself evacuated of all material substances but still having “vacuum” energy? If that is so, wouldn’t the vacuum energy be “something” after all? Can the universe expand into that nothing but that nothing not be something otherwise what would it expand into?
The author, a well-known cosmologist, does a wonderful job of explaining the current state of the universe, sometimes a bit difficult to follow, but leaves me in doubt about what he really considers “nothing.” He goes into multiverses, multiple universes, but this still takes away from the point of how everything we can observe came about in the first place.
Recommended to read if you want to know what the foremost thinking on how our universe evolved, but come away feeling that the answer to the question “Why is there anything at all” has not been fully resolved.The main theme for this book is how we got our universe from absolutely nothing at all, but I find that the explanation is not fully satisfactory. Is “nothing” the vacuum of space itself evacuated of all material substances but still having…
Comment: