Get ready for the read of your life. Never before has a single book combined awesome vans, unicorns, Billy Joel, and erotic fiction in such a potent combination. A writing tour de force? Perhaps. A reading experience that will sear itself into your consciousness like a red-hot branding iron? Without question. Comedian and basic cable superstar Michael Ian Black unleashes the full fury of his astonishing intellect in this collection of short comic essays. My Custom Van is a no-holds-barred assault to the funny bone that will literally beat you into submission with hilarity*. How did he do it? How did he create such a fine anthology? Answer: With love. Michael opened his heart and used the magical power of love to write more than fifty thought-provoking essays like, "Why I Used a Day-Glo Magic Marker to Color My Dick Yellow," and "An Open Letter to the Hair Stylist Who Somehow Convinced Me to Get a Perm When I Was in Sixth Grade." Maybe you think love is not a substitute for "good writing skills" and "spell check." Bull pucky! When it comes to writing books, love is the most powerful word processor of all. Sounds pretty great, right? And yet...something is still holding you back from paying the full purchase price of this book. What is it? Perhaps you secretly believe you do not deserve a book this good. Nonsense -- you deserve this book and so much more. In fact, if Michael could have written you all the stars in the sky, that's what he would have done. But he couldn't do that, due to his lack of knowledge in the area of astronomy. So he wrote this book instead. And this flap copy. Enjoy. * Michael Ian Black is not responsible for any actual injuries caused by reading this book.

Advance Praise for The Accelerating Universe " The Accelerating Universe is not only an informative book about modern cosmology. It is rich storytelling and, above all, a celebration of the human mind in its quest for beauty in all things." —Alan Lightman, author of Einstein's Dreams "This is a wonderfully lucid account of the extraordinary discoveries that have made the last years a golden period for observational cosmology. But Mario Livio has not only given the reader one clear explanation after another of what astronomers are up to, he has used them to construct a provocative argument for the importance of aesthetics in the development of science and for the inseparability of science, art, and culture." —Lee Smolin, author of The Life of the Cosmos "What a pleasure to read! An exciting, simple account of the universe revealed by modern astronomy. Beautifully written, clearly presented, informed by scientific and philosophical insights." —John Bahcall, Institute for Advanced Study "A book with charm, beauty, elegance, and importance. As authoritative a journey as can be taken through modern cosmology." —Allan Sandage, Observatories of the Carnegie Institution of Washington

The Road to Infinity [paperback] Asimov, Isaac

It's a Wonderful Town! [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1976) Surprise! Surprise! [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1976) Making It! [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1976) Moving Ahead [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1976) To the Top [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1976) Quasar, Quasar, Burning Bright! [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1976) The Comet That Wasn't [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1976) The Sea-Green Planet [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1976) Discovery By Blink [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1977) Asimov's Corollary [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1977) The Magic Isle [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1977) The Dark Companion [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1977) Twinkle, Twinkle, Microwaves [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1977) The Final Collapse [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1977) Of Ice and Men [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1977) Oblique the Centric Globe [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1977) The Opposite Poles [Asimov's Essays: F&SF] (1977)

Does the Universe extend forever or is there an end somewhere? Does it expand and contract like an accordion with each cosmic spasm lasting millions of years? Was there a time when it exploded and will the flying fragments separated until our own fragment is virtually alone? Does it renew itself and is it eternal, unborn and undying? This is a complete scientific survey of all that is known about the Universe, presented with the clarity and precision so characteristic of the writing of Isaac Asimov. Beginning with chapters on the earth and our solar system, he guides the reader through exploration and discovery of the unimaginably distant reaches of outer space. Barely fifty years ago, their horizons of our known universe were pushed back. The Milky Way was recognized as only a drop in a huge black ocean; other galaxies were discovered; the Universe was found to be expanding - its rim many billions of light-years away. And as man daily probes further into the unknown, it is becoming clear that discoveries dwarfing all those of the past may actually be at hand.

In More Things in Heaven and Earth, Levy argues the fundamental unity of the arts and the sciences, pointing out the poetry that is in astronomy and the scientific references to the night sky found in many of the great poets. He illustrates his arguments with spectacular colour photographs of comets and eclipses and also with extensive quotation of and commentary on Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Donne, Keats, Tennyson, Hopkins and Frost. For him the collision of the comet bearing his name with the planet Jupiter, the greatest cataclysm in the history of astronomy, is an opportunity to get a whole new generation excited about our universe in a way that has not been possible since the 1969 Moon landing.

Is it possible to combine faith and science to fully understand the beginning of the universe and the origins of time and space? Scientific discovery and the Big Bang theory go into exquisite detail about the development of the universe after that first instant, but we remain in the dark about how it all began. Or do we? Join the authors in a riveting exploration of science’s latest advancements in cosmology, and the Bible’s esoteric dimension, which teaches the deepest cosmological insights into the fundamental workings of the universe. Read Mysteries of the First Instant and find answers to what has eluded science about the origins of time, space, elementary particles, the laws of physics, and the birth of the universe. Explore: - what came before the Big Bang - what happened in the first instant of the universe’s existence - the link between science’s 13.8 billion-year timeline and the six-day creation account - the beginning and nature of space - the beginning, nature, and direction of time - elementary particles—the basic building blocks of everything - the spooky behavior of the microscopic world and how quantum mechanics gives rise to our reality - the forces of nature and Einstein’s relativity - what undiscovered particles dark matter is made of - whether the universe will continue to expand - how and why the parameters of the universe are fine-tuned for life to exist Daniel Friedmann P.Eng., M.A.Sc., a Readers' Favorite 2013 International Book Award Winner, studies the origin of the universe and life on earth from both the scientific and biblical perspectives. His work on reconciling the biblical account with scientific observation utilizing his biblical clock formula has been reported in conferences, various newspapers, magazines, television and radio talk shows. Mysteries of the First Instant is a fascinating and entertaining read, digging deep into the universe’s beginning to solve its well-kept mysteries. No scientific or biblical background required. Order your copy today.

The life and work of Johannes Kepler shown in great detail

Flying Saucers and Science is a comprehensive look at the scientific data on the flying saucer phenomenon. Nuclear physicist and lecturer Stanton T. Friedman has distilled more than 40 years of research on UFOs, and shares his work on a wide variety of classified advanced nuclear and space systems. He answers a number of physics questions in layman's terms, and establishes that travel to nearby stars is within reach, without violating the laws of physics. This book presents intriguing data from a number of large-scale scientific UFO studies that almost no one has discussed in detail. It deals with ''why'' questions, such as reasons for a cover-up, reasons for aliens to come to Earth, and reasons for them not landing on the White House lawn. Friedman unveils the SETI program and details the antipathy of science-fiction writers to UFOs. He also reviews false notions about those who believe in alien visitors and the adequacy of coverage by media and the scientific community. After reading Flying Saucers and Science, you will never think the same way about UFOs again.

A comprehensive summary of progress made during the past decade on the theory of black holes and relativistic stars, this collection includes discussion of structure and oscillations of relativistic stars, the use of gravitational radiation detectors, observational evidence for black holes, cosmic censorship, numerical work related to black hole collisions, the internal structure of black holes, black hole thermodynamics, information loss and other issues related to the quantum properties of black holes, and recent developments in the theory of black holes in the context of string theory. Volume contributors: Valeria Ferrari, John L. Friedman, James B. Hartle, Stephen W. Hawking, Gary T. Horowitz, Werner Israel, Roger Penrose, Martin J. Rees, Rafael D. Sorkin, Saul A. Teukolsky, Kip S. Thorne, and Robert M. Wald.

"This book recounts the science and history of the James Webb Space Telescope, with stunning images"--

In this splendidly lucid and profusely illustrated book, a Nobel laureate relates the fascinating story of Einstein, the general and special theories of relativity, and the scientists before and since who influenced relativity's genesis and development. Eschewing technical terms in favor of ordinary language, the book offers a perfect introduction to relativity for readers without specialized knowledge of mathematics and science. The author follows Einstein's own dictum to make explanations "as simple as possible, but not more so." His periodic use of equations as points of clarification involve nothing more than simple algebra; these can be disregarded by math-averse readers. Dr. Schwinger begins with a discussion of the conflict between two principles of electromagnetic theory that are irreconcilable in Newtonian physics, and how Einstein's attempts to resolve this conflict led to the theory of relativity. Readers learn about the meaning of time and the paradoxes of space travel at speeds close to that of light, following the development of Einstein's relativistic thought and his epochal perception that E=mc 2. Further chapters examine gravity and its effect on light; non-Euclidean geometry and the curving of space-time; and the impact of radio astronomy and space-age discoveries upon Einstein's model of the universe. Amusing quotes, suppositions, and illustrative fictions — along with numerous sidebars and boxes explaining physical principles, anomalies, events, and inventions — enhance this accessible introduction, and provide stimulating food for thought. Preface. 189 black-and-white illustrations. Sources of the Illustrations. Index.

In Kabbalah: A Very Short Introduction, Joseph Dan, one of the world's leading authorities on Jewish mysticism, offers a concise and highly accurate look at the history and character of the various systems developed by the adherents of the Kabbalah. Dan sheds light on the many misconceptions about what Kabbalah is and isn't--including its connections to magic, astronomy, alchemy, and numerology--and he illuminates the relationship between Kaballah and Christianity on the one hand and New Age religion on the other. The book provides fascinating historical background, ranging from the mystical groups that flourished in ancient Judaism in the East, and the medieval schools of Kabbalah in Northern Spain and Southern France, to the widening growth of Kabbalah through the school of Isaac Luria of Safed in the sixteenth century, to the most potent and influential modern Jewish religious movement, Hasidism, and its use of kabbalistic language in its preaching. The book examines the key ancient texts of this tradition, including the Sefer Yezira or "Book of Creation," The Book of Bahir, and the Zohar. Dan explains Midrash, the classical Jewish exegesis of scriptures, which assumes an infinity of meanings for every biblical verse, and he concludes with a brief survey of scholarship in the field and a list of books for further reading. Embraced by celebrities and integrated in many contemporary spiritual phenomena, Kabbalah has reaped a wealth of attention in the press. But many critics argue that the form of Kabbalah practiced in Hollywood is more New Age pabulum than authentic tradition. Can there be a positive role for the Kabbalah in the contemporary quest for spirituality? In Kabbalah, Joseph Dan debunks the myths surrounding modern Kabbalistic practice, offering an engaging and dependable account of this traditional Jewish religious phenomenon and its impact outside of Judaism.

This authoritative text provides a lively, thought-provoking and informative summary of neutrino astrophysics. Neutrino astronomy is being revolutionized by the availability of new observational facilities. Theoretical work in astrophysics and in particle physics in increasing rapidly. The subject of solar neutrinos has many seemingly independent aspects, both in its theoretical basis (involving nuclear, atomic, and particle physics, geochemistry, and astronomy). For many physicists, solar neutrinos constitute the low-energy frontier of high-energy physics. Results from all these disciplines are combined here, providing a timely and unified discussion of the field. Each chapter begins with a succinct overview of material to be presented and ends with an annotated bibliography. For advanced undergraduate students, but will be essential reading for all researchers interested in the physics of neutrinos and what they reveal about the nature of the Universe.

This authoritative text provides a lively, thought-provoking and informative summary of neutrino astrophysics. Neutrino astronomy is being revolutionized by the availability of new observational facilities. Theoretical work in astrophysics and in particle physics in increasing rapidly. The subject of solar neutrinos has many seemingly independent aspects, both in its theoretical basis (involving nuclear, atomic, and particle physics, geochemistry, and astronomy). For many physicists, solar neutrinos constitute the low-energy frontier of high-energy physics. Results from all these disciplines are combined here, providing a timely and unified discussion of the field. Each chapter begins with a succinct overview of material to be presented and ends with an annotated bibliography. For advanced undergraduate students, but will be essential reading for all researchers interested in the physics of neutrinos and what they reveal about the nature of the Universe.

What should your child learn in the sixth grade? How can you help him or her at home? This book answers these important questions and more, offering the specific shared knowledge that thousands of parents and teachers across the nation have agreed upon for American sixth graders. Featuring sixteen pages of full-color illustrations, a bolder, easier-to-follow format, and a thoroughly updated curriculum, What Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know, Revised Edition, is designed for parents and teachers to enjoy with children. Hundreds of thousands of children have benefited from the Core Knowledge Series. This revised edition gives a new generation of sixth graders the advantage they need to make progress in school today, and to establish an approach to learning that will last a lifetime. Discover: • Favorite Poems—old and new, from Edgar Allan Poe’s classic “The Raven” to Maya Angelou’s “Woman Work” • Literature—from around the world, including Homer’s epics the Iliad and the Odyssey, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, and Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper • Learning About Language—he rules of written English, including the four kinds of sentences, common English sayings and phrases, plus an introduction to Greek and Latin roots • History and Geography—world history from ancient Greece and the fall of the Roman Empire to the Enlightenment and the French Revolution; American history of the post—Civil War era, including the Industrial Revolution, immigration, urbanization, and reform • Visual Arts—a brief history of art, stretching from the classical period through the Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic periods all the way to the age of realism, with full-color reproductions and discussions of great works by artists such as El Greco, Rembrandt, and Winslow Homer • Music—understanding and appreciating music, including musical notation, chords, and scales—plus biographies of great composers such as Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin • Math—challenging lessons, ranging from probability and statistics, geometry, ratios and proportions to basic pre-algebra • Science—fascinating discussions of plate tectonics, oceans, astronomy, the environment, the human body, and the immune system—plus short biographies of great scientists such as Marie Curie

Which planet in our solar system has the most moons? Why would Goldilocks prefer to live on Earth instead of Mars? And just how gigantic is a Red Giant?Combining all the best bits about SPACE from Dr Karl's Big , Even Bigger and Biggest Book of Science Stuff and Nonsense , this little book answers all these questions and many more. Filled with facts, quizzes, puzzles and activities, Dr Karl's Little Book of Space provides light-years of astronomical fun!