The Unobservable Universe

A Paradox-Free Framework for Understanding the Universe

By: Scott M. Tyson

Published: April 16, 2011
Format: Paperback, 332 pages
ISBN-10: 0983243808
ISBN-13: 978-0983243809
Publisher: Galaxia Way

“Over the last few decades, there has been little fundamental progress in understanding the universe. Not coincidentally, over this very same time, the diversity of thought regarding the nature of the cosmos has not expanded significantly and the cost of technology-based experiments to probe our hypotheses has grown exponentially”, writes Visionary physicist, engineer, scientist, researcher and inventor Scott M. Tyson in his brilliant and groundbreaking book The Unobservable Universe: A Paradox-Free Framework for Understanding the Universe. The author describes how everything that we have been taught about our understanding of the universe and cosmology may be wrong and offers an exciting new paradigm for understanding the universe.

Scott Tyson presents a compelling case that the timeless questions of life and the quest for truth are intricately entwined with the same perplexing questions and paradoxes faced in the study of cosmology. The age old philosophy questions about life are part of the examination of the true nature of the universe. With this keen insight in hand, Scott Tyson embarks on a scientific quest for truth that covers three thousand years and the entire range of theoretical approaches to cosmology. Along the way, the author provides evidence that many of the conventional theories of the universe are not in accordance with the observations and facts that have presented themselves to scientists.

Scott M. Tyson (photo left) takes the startling position that resources have become focused on demonstrating the narrow conventional cosmological perspective. For the author, this devotion and faith in flawed and incomplete models of the universe, forms a religion based solely on belief. Scott Tyson points out that the current model of the universe is riddled with many paradoxes, demonstrating that the conventional paradigm is deeply flawed and incomplete. For the author, paradoxes can’t exist in the universe, and only exist in the minds of people. This failure of perception, as the author describes it, leads to a clinging to improbable, if not impossible theories of cosmology.

To develop his new approach to understanding the universe and initiating a fresh paradigm of cosmology, Scott Tyson breaks the book into three sections. Each of the the sections develops the author’s case and builds toward the new view of the universe. The three sections are:

*Sensation, observation, and interpretation: Acquiring perspective
* Correlation, integration, and formulation: The beginning of new understanding
* Implications, confirmations, and demonstrations: The end of paradox

For me, the power of the book is how Scott Tyson challenges the current cosmological paradigm through a combination of philosophy and scientific principles. The author effectively deconstructs the current theories, that are untenable in his view, due to their many paradoxes and contradictions. In place of the existing theory of the universe, the author presents a compelling case for a new model, free from paradoxes, based on quantum physics. The book is easily accessible to the lay person, is free of scientific jargon, and is written in an engaging style that maintains the reader’s interest throughout the entire discussion.

I highly recommend the potentially controversial and very thought provoking book The Unobservable Universe: A Paradox-Free Framework for Understanding the Universe by Scott m. Tyson, to anyone seeking an overview of the philosophical and scientific paradoxes that derail the current the current cosmological theories, along with a well thought out and elegantly constructed alternative model based on quantum physics. This book will change the way that you think about the current models of the universe, and of the very state of scientific thought that exists today.

Tags: The Unobservable Universe: A Paradox-Free Framework for Understanding the Universe, Scott m. Tyson, cosmology, science book reviews.

Economic Geology

Principles and Practice

By: Walter L. Pohl

Published: May 3, 2011
Format: Paperback: 680 pages
ISBN-10: 1444336630
ISBN-13: 978-1444336634
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

“Economic geology defines ore as a natural material (ore rock) from which metals or minerals can be profitably extracted”, writes Professor Emeritus of Applied Geology and former Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences at the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany, Walter L. Pohl, in his comprehensive and science based book Economic Geology: Principles and Practice. The author describes the entire range of mineral deposits, their geological significance, environmental issues related to all phases of a mine’s operation, and sustainable mining practices.

Walter Pohl provides a wide spectrum analysis of the Earth’s mineral deposits, including their origin and formation, and their scientific and geological attributes. The author shares his insights into the formation of ore deposits through the dynamic actions of the Earth’s interior. An understanding ow and where mineral deposits are formed within the Earth forms the basis for the rest of the book, including the economic and environmental aspects of the discipline of geoscience. The author also presents important examinations of the practices involved in extraction of ores and fossil deposits, including the challenges posed by the need for environmental protection and sustainability.

Walter Pohl (photo left) guides earth science students and practicing geologists, and professionals in a all aspects of the related industries, into areas that may be outside of their areas of specialization. The author widens the understanding of the many facets of economic geology from origins to extraction to environmental factors. Walter Pohl divides the book into four major categories, with each category further divided into sections offering further detail on the various aspects of the overall category. The four categories are as follows:

* Metalliferous ore deposits
* Non-metallic minerals and rocks
* The practice of Economic Geology
* Fossil energy raw materials: coal, oil, and gas

For me, the power of the book is how Walter Pohl covers all aspects of the origin of metallic and non-metallic minerals, the full range of practices of economic geology, and the major fossil fuels. The author provides science based information, backed by numerous graphics and photographs to enrich the material presented in each chapter. Walter Pohl offers a strong series of practices for addressing the critical environmental challenges faced by extraction industries, both during the extraction process and in the winding down of operations.

Walter Pohl also shares ideas for sustainable and “green” mining within an overall economic and scientific framework, that examines both economic value and of the overall environment. The holistic approach taken by Walter Pohl gives this book long term value for all areas of geology and geoscience. The author places the incredible array, of the Earth’s minerals and ore deposits, into a scientific framework of the most basic and fundamental geological processes.

I highly recommend the landmark text book Economic Geology: Principles and Practice by Walter L. Pohl, to any students, professional geologists and others in the related industries, and anyone interested in mineral ores, and in the environmental aspects of economic geology. This book is especially important is a time of escalating demand for minerals and ores of all types, in a world facing ever increasing population and environmental and sustainability pressures.

Read the all inclusive and valuable book Economic Geology: Principles and Practice by Walter L. Pohl, and discover the importance of a scientific framework to economic geology practice, and its overall relationship to environmental and population pressures, and how sustainability and “green” mining can become effective solutions to these important challenges.

Tags: Economic Geology: Principles and Practice, Walter L. Pohl, sustainable and green mining, science book reviews.

A COSIMO is handmade in its entirety, no two are the same. It is hand-carved on both sides with a Celtic love-knot to symbolize the permanence and continuance of Love. The COSIMO is carved out of mango wood, it is put in flames to get the burnish effect, and then hand engraved on both sides with the Celtic love knot symbol.

The Celtic Love Knot, represents two bonded lovers, with its two intertwining overhand knots. Exchange of love knots between lovers dates to the 3rd century AD and used to be the mark of admitting one’s feelings. This valentine symbol has no beginning and no ending, resembling the permanence and continuance of Love.

When you remove the top of the box, you will see a scroll of aged-looking, handmade paper with a carved wooden handle at each end. The paper scroll is handmade and manufactured using natural, eco-friendly, raw materials.

Removing the scroll, reveals a small slip of paper – this is a certificate of authenticity. When your loved one unfolds the scroll, they will see a beautifully printed version of the love-poem you chose or wrote.

The Foxfire 45th Anniversary Book

Singin’, Praisin’, Raisin’

By: Foxfire Fund, Inc.

Published: August 30, 2011
Format: Paperback 528 pages
Publisher: Anchor
ISBN-10: 0307742598
ISBN-13: 978-0307742599
Publisher: Anchor Books

“If you remember anything from this book, I hope it is this: Every person has a story, and they are simply waiting for someone to say ‘hello’”, writes co-editor Casi Best and co-editor Joyce Green of the Foxfire Fund, Inc., in the introduction to their marvelous and inspirational book The Foxfire 45th Anniversary Book: Singin’, Praisin’, Raisin’. The co-editors share the fascinating and memorable first hand accounts of the music, the history, practical skills, and wonderful lives of the residents of Appalachia.

The co-editors understand that the most heartfelt and powerful stories are told by the people who lived them and shared their lives with their family and friends. The narratives tell of hard times, hard work, love of family, community, faith, and the sound of music. In their own voices, the stories tell of the good old days when times were hard, but where people shared their bounty and love with others in their families and their communities. Through the painstaking recording of these fantastic oral histories, the book preserves the sense of a time and place where many traditions were born, nurtured, and developed into a way of life. These stories, told from the heart, are their legacy.

Foxfire museum, Mountain City, Georgia (photo left)

Through all of these intriguing stories runs a thread of a love for life, for the endurance of the human spirit, and a faith that people share a common destiny larger than themselves. This spirit is told through their stories of faith, of ghosts, and of larger than life characters who are the stuff of legend. Even the constant companion of music, and starring role of the banjo, helps to transcend this life and enter into another realm. The music of Appalachia, and its bluegrass and gospel sound, formed the background to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and to the everyday life of the residents of the region. Sustained through times of Depression and the personal joy of living, the people have endured, and share their experiences through this heartwarming anthology.

For me, the power of the book is the strength and force of the stories, as told in the words of the people who lived them and shared their joys and sorrows, and their triumphs and tragedies. The stories bring the people of Appalachia’s colorful past to life through their stories, crafts, and music. The storytellers share songs, numerous compelling photographs, and even the almost lost arts and skills that sustained life throughout their lives. This book is a testament to the human spirit, and to the ingenuity and creativity of people, regardless of life’s circumstances. These personal narratives are a treasure to be read, reread, and savored; preferably to the music of a banjo in the background.

I highly recommend this gem of a book, The Foxfire 45th Anniversary Book: Singin’, Praisin’, Raisin’ edited by Joyce Green, Casi Best, and the Foxfire Fund, Inc., to anyone seeking a living oral history of the amazing people of Appalachia, both from the past and the present. The stories and people will stay with you long after their stories are read and enjoyed.

Tags: The Foxfire 45th Anniversary Book: Singin’, Praisin’, Raisin’, Joyce Green, Casi Best, the Foxfire Fund, Inc., music and life in Appalachia, history book reviews.

Chameleon Odyssey VII: Company owners want the very best to help their business grow better. The Chameleon Odyssey VII comes packed with features that can be operated with simple button controls. Plus this amplifier can work with almost any headset.

Its got a one-touch mute button, universal Chameleon compatibility, battery testing features, individual controls, independent volume adjustment, transmit sensitivity, and bass boost. Needless to say, its not just for an outsourced call center, but for awesome music listening experience as well.

It can work on 2 AA batteries- that are included with the set by the way. Plus it has an auxiliary recording jack and AC/DC adapter. Id say this one is a really cool headset amplifier.

This post is a sponsored blog post.

The Diversity Index

The Alarming Truth About Diversity in Corporate America…and What Can Be Done About It

By: Susan E. Reed

Published: August 29, 2011
Hardcover: 294 pages
ISBN-10: 0814416497
ISBN-13: 978-0814416495
Publisher: AMACOM

“Diversity has become a smorgasbord from which companies are taking what they desire and leaving the rest. The partial use of the diversity concept has resulted in the formation of a persistent racial ceiling in corporate America”, writes award-winning investigative journalist and columnist Susan E. Reed, in her research based and eye opening book The Diversity Index: The Alarming Truth About Diversity in Corporate America…and What Can Be Done About It. The author describes how white women, as beneficiaries of gender diversity, have become part of the roadblock to racial diversity.

Susan E. Reed presents compelling evidence that racial diversity has taken a back seat in the corporate agenda, and in the public mind, to environmental sustainability. The author points out that sustainability is not possible without developing and implementing diverse employment and advancement strategies. Susan Reed acknowledges that men and women, from racially diverse heritages, have made tremendous strides and have advanced within corporate America. For the author, the advances have not gone far enough in providing racially diverse representation in all of America’s largest companies. Women of color have even farther to go toward achieving top management positions than their male counterparts.

Susan E. Reed (photo left) demonstrates, through her in depth research, that white women have moved up within company hierarchies, but even the corporate female diversity levels have only achieved partial application. The incomplete diversity activity, on the part of corporations, has advanced many racially and gender diverse people, while creating a ceiling for others. Susan Reed shows how these ceilings are not simply a civil rights issue, to be addressed through laws and the courts, but are also a serious impediment to overall company performance. The author’s comprehensive study shows clearly how racially and gender diverse companies consistently outperformed their non-diverse competitors on the bottom line.

To achieve the goals of a fully integrated and diverse work force, while achieving gains in overall business performance, the author recommends several steps:

* Combine diversity and ethical goals with overall business strategy
* Create a communications system to share feedback and concerns with leaders
* Provide diversity training and ongoing learning as part of the company culture
* Have diversity as part of management compensation
* Reach out to and develop new sources of diversity talent within communities
* Invest in local communities, public schools, and opportunities

For me, the power of the book is how Susan E. Reed combines her groundbreaking research findings with practical steps to facilitate real change, not only within companies, but within the entire community as well. The author provides solid data to back her important statements about the shortcomings in corporate diversity programs, and to point out how many companies are failing to address the critical issue of diversity at all.

The crucial research finding that diverse companies were more competitive, productive, and out performed their non-diverse counterparts, offers a powerful incentive for corporations to reconsider and re-evaluate their own diversity efforts. To help guide all companies, regardless of their progress in the area of diversity, Susan Reed shares an excellent ten step plan to build a more diverse and top performing company.

I highly recommend the landmark and must read book The Diversity Index: The Alarming Truth About Diversity in Corporate America…and What Can Be Done About It by Susan E. Reed, to anyone in corporate leadership who is serious about developing and implementing a racial and gender diversity initiative to sharply increase the number of women and people of color in their executive ranks and in their boardrooms. The author shows clearly as well how more diverse companies are also more profitable than their less diverse counterparts.

Read the important and company transformational book The Diversity Index: The Alarming Truth About Diversity in Corporate America…and What Can Be Done About It by Susan E. Reed, and out the power of diversity to work for your organization. Gender and racial diversity is not only the right moral and ethical choice, but it’s the most productive and profitable one as well.

Tags: The Diversity Index: The Alarming Truth About Diversity in Corporate America…and What Can Be Done About It, Susan E. Reed, diversity management, business book reviews.

Cycle In Cinema – Magnificent Revolution from culturehunter on Vimeo.

Springwise: Magnificent Revolutions Cycle-in Cinema taps the kinetic energy of its participants to power the entertainment. Viewers can simply ride to a screening on their favorite cycle, hook it into the on-site generator and start pedaling. While the resulting energy powers the performance, the movies soundtrack is broadcast using a wireless transmitter that can be heard by audience members via mobile phone or FM radio. Events are free, with a suggested donation of GBP 5; a variety of drinks and locally sourced snacks are typically for sale.

London-based Magnificent Revolution also offers 100W bicycle generators and other equipment and workshops to help make a variety of similar pedal-powered projects possible. Meanwhile, its planning a series of Cycle-in Cinema events in the UK throughout 2011 and 2012. One to get involved in or emulate in your neck of the eco-minded woods?

In the UK, pop-up cinema runs on pedal power [Springwise]

Gizmodiva: How Ive missed Pac-Man and related products. However, the iconic game re enters my radar with the super fun Ghost Salt and Pepper Pots. Theres no better way to get your geek on at the dining table. These shakers are sure to spice things up. Inky and Blinky are the red and blue ghosts that look just so adorable. It reminds me of long lost days of 8 bit gaming. Id love to have them sit on my table.

Pac-Man Ghost Salt and Pepper Pots spice up dinner time [Gizmodiva]