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Science in 100 Key Breakthroughs
by Paul ParsonsScience in 100 Key Breakthroughs presents a series of clear and concise essays that explain the fundamentals of some of the most exciting and important science concepts you really need to know. Paul Parsons profiles the important, ground-breaking, and front-of-mind scientific discoveries that have had a profound influence on our way of life and will grow in importance with our advancing understanding.In 100 sections, this book provides an overview of the history of Western science, from astronomy and physics to geology, biology and psychology and everything in between. Starting with the origins of counting more than 35,000 years ago, Science tells a rich and fascinating story of discovery, invention, gradual progress and inspired leaps of the imagination. Many key concepts and discoveries are defined and discussed including: The circumference of the Earth, Chaos theory, Algebra, Relativity, Newton's Principia, Brownian motion, Pi, Wave/particle duality, Germ theory, The computer, X-rays, The double helix, Viruses, The human genomeReadable, informative and thought-provoking, this is the ideal introduction to cutting-edge science and the essential overview for anyone who wants to learn more about these often daunting but increasingly essential subjects.
The Math Handbook
by Richard ElwesThis is the perfect introduction for those who have a lingering fear of math. If you think that math is difficult, confusing, dull or just plain scary, then The Math Handbook is your ideal companion. Covering all the basics including fractions, equations, primes, squares and square roots, geometry and fractals, Dr. Richard Elwes will lead you gently towards a greater understanding of this fascinating subject. Even apparently daunting concepts are explained simply, with the assistance of useful diagrams, and with a refreshing lack of jargon.So whether you're an adult or a student, whether you like Sudoku but hate doing sums, or whether you've always been daunted by numbers at work, school or in everyday life, you won't find a better way of overcoming your nervousness about numbers and learning to enjoy making the most of mathematics.
The Story of Philosophy
by Jeremy Stangroom James GarveyThe Story of Philosophy sees philosophy for what it is: a passionate, exhilarating quest for human understanding that cannot be reduced to dry categories or simple definitions. Accessible writing, brilliant scholarship and over 150 colour illustrations combine to form a richly informative and highly entertaining work of narrative history.Packed with intriguing anecdotes and fascinating detail, James Garvey and Jeremy Stangroom bring us face to face with the most important philosophers in western history. The story begins with the Ancient Greeks, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, great thinkers who set the philosophical agenda to this day. It continues with Greek and Roman philosophers--slaves and emperors who found consolation in deep thoughts about life and death--and moves on to the religious thinkers of the Middle Ages. The origins of modern science, politics, and morality are examined, alongside theories of knowledge, logic, mind and matter. Along the way, you'll discover Descartes' evil demon, Locke on the limits of knowledge, Rousseau and Hobbes on human nature, Hume's scepticism, Kant on duty, Nietzsche's Superman, Marx on class struggle, Russell's logic, Wittgenstein on meaning, Sartre on bad faith, Foucault's take on power, and much more.Rigorous, refreshingly free of academic jargon, and highly accessible, this is the ideal introduction for anyone who wants to gain a new perspective on philosophy's deepest mysteries and most intriguing discoveries.
Words of Wisdom
by Gareth SouthwellWords of Wisdom brings together 360 of philosophy's most famous quotations, explaining their meaning and telling the stories behind them. Western philosophy may be said to have begun in ancient Greece, where, inscribed in his temple at Delphi, the words of the god Apollo commanded those who sought wisdom to first "know thyself." With the author's usual humour and clarity of style, the whole 2,500 year history of philosophy is laid bare. Each quote is set in the context of its cultural background, author biography and general outlook; trends are highlighted, links established, and influences traced, all in a way that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and even fun. Words of Wisdom is the perfect book for those who always wanted to ask what philosophy was about, but were afraid they might not understand the answer.
Breverton's Nautical Curiosities
by Terry BrevertonBreverton's Nautical Curiosities is about ships, people and the sea. However, unlike many other nautical compendiums, the focus of this book is on the unusual, the overlooked or the downright extraordinary. Thus, someone most of us do not know, Admiral William Brown, is given equal coverage to Admiral Nelson. Without Admiral Brown releasing Garibaldi, modern Italy might not exist. And without the barely known genius John Ericsson designing the Monitor, the Confederacy might have won the American Civil War. Readers will be stimulated to read more about the remarkable men--explorers, admirals and trawlermen--who have shaped our world. The sea has had a remarkable effect upon our language. We hear the terms "steer clear", "hit the deck", "don't rock the boat", "to harbor a grudge" and the like, and give little thought to them. In the pages of this book, the reader will find the origin of "bumpkin", a "brace of shakes", "born with a silver spoon", "booby prize", "to take on board", "above board", "bombed" (in the sense of being drunk), the "blues", "blind-side", "blind drunk", "the pot calling the kettle black", "reach the bitter end", "wasters", "ahoy", "all at sea", "to keep aloof", "piss-artist", "taken aback", "barbecue"' and "bamboozle". Other colourful terms, which have passed out of common usage, such as "bring one's arse to anchor" (sit down), "belly timber" (food) and "bog orange" (potato) are also included, as well as important pirate haunts, technical terms, famous battles, maritime inventors and ship speed records.
Economics in Minutes
by Niall KishtainyEconomics in Minutes condenses key economics concepts into 200 short and easily digested essays. Featuring not only fundamental ideas, such as the role of money and how the stock market works, but also subjects that are increasingly important to us today - unemployment, government debt and corporate tax avoidance, for example. Economics in Minutes is the ideal introduction to a complex and vital subject.Key topics are succinctly described and accompanied by illustrations, making them simple to read and easy to remember. This convenient little reference guide will allow readers to understand the theories underpinning a subject that affects our lives on a daily basis.Chapters include: Supply and demand, globalization, market failure, GDP and happiness, risk and uncertainty, living standards and productivity, Game theory, economics and culture.
Philosophy in Minutes
by Marcus WeeksPhilosophy in Minutes distills 200 of the most important philosophical ideas into easily digestible, bite-sized sections.The core information for every topic - including debates such as the role of philosophy in science and religion, key thinkers from Aristotle to Marx, and introductions to morality and ethics - is explained in straightforward language, using illustrations to make the concepts easy to understand and remember.Whether you are perplexed by existentialism or pondering the notion of free will, this accessible small-format book will help any reader to quickly grasp the basics of this highly nuanced subject.
Physics in Minutes
by Giles SparrowPhysics in Minutes covers everything you need to know about physics, condensed into 200 key topics. Each idea is explained in clear, accessible language, building from the basics, such as mechanics, waves, and particles, to more complex topics, including neutrinos, string theory, and dark matter.Following the latest scientific research proving that the brain best absorbs information visually, each description is accompanied by an illustration to aid quick comprehension and easy recollection. This convenient and compact reference book is ideal for anyone interested in how our world works.Chapters include: Newton's Laws of Motion, Schrodinger's cat, Magnetism, Superconductivity, Fission and fusion, Higgs Boson, Entropy, Dark matter.
Breverton's Complete Herbal
by Terry BrevertonBreverton's Complete Herbal is a modern reworking of Culpeper's classic reference guide, Culpeper's Complete Herbal. Arranged alphabetically, this book describes over 250 herbs and spices as well as feature entries on scented herb/medicinal gardens, the great herbalists and New World Herbs not included in Culpepper's original text. Each entry provides a description of the herb: its appearance and botanical features, a brief history of its uses in medicine, dyeing and cuisine to bizarre remedies and concoctions designed to get rid of all manner of real and imaginary ailments. As informative as it is entertaining, this incredibly diverse compendium contains just about everything you'll ever need to know about the properties and provenance of herbs and spices of the world. From amara dulcis to yarrow, all-heal to viper's bugloss, Breverton's Complete Herbal is a modern day treasury of over 250 herbs and their uses.
Astronomy in Minutes
by Giles SparrowWhat happens when a star dies? How many asteroids are in our solar system? Can galaxies collide? What is dark energy? Astronomy in Minutes answers all these questions and more as it condenses 200 key concepts into easily digestible essays. From Trojan asteroids to stellar black holes, and from superclusters to cosmic microwave background, this book will take you on an essential tour around the universe. Beginning with the specks and constellations that we see in the night sky, and then zooming in on the objects and matter" beyond the naked eye, Astronomy in Minutes draws on established theories and recent research. Each essay is accompanied by an image or a clear diagram to help unravel complex ideas. Beginning with the constellations and finishing with the latest cosmological theories, this is the perfect reference guide to this fascinating subject.Contents include: The celestial sphere, Piscis Austrinus, the Earth-Moon system, Io and Ganymede, Kuiper Belt Objects, Measuring stellar properties, Nuclear fusion, Red and orange dwarfs, Open star clusters, Planetary nebulae, Supernova remnants, Cosmic expansion, Quasars and blazars, Nature of spacetime, Nucleosynthesis and the Anthropic Principle.
Psychology in Minutes
by Marcus WeeksTo what extent is memory based on mood? Why do we compare ourselves to others? Are there different types of intelligence? How do we change with age? This book answers all these questions and many more in 200 short and accessible essays.From Pavlov's dogs to experimental ethics and from the development of personality to cognitive behavioral therapy, this book will take you from the foundations of psychological thought to modern-day applications, drawing on recent research and established theories. Each essay is accompanied by an illustration or diagram to help unravel complex ideas.The principles of psychology apply to each and every one of us as they shed light on everything from our childhood development to our interaction with others--and Psychology in Minutes is the perfect insight to this fascinating subject.Contents include: Behaviorism, Experimental ethics, Problem solving, Illusions and paradoxes, Dream analysis, Management and leadership, Compliance and conformity, Attitudes and prejudices, Attraction, Moral development, Gender development, The big five personality traits, Classification of mental disorders, Criticisms of psychoanalysis, Positive psychology, Advertising and the media and The working environment.
World History In Minutes
by Tat Wood Dorothy AliWhat happened to the Roman Empire? Why was the Magna Carter so important? What led to the First World War? Why did the USSR collapse? World History in Minutes provides succinct answers to these questions--and many more--in 200 simple and accessible essays.From the 100 Years War to the Gulf Wars, and from the wisdom of Aristotle to the Civil Rights movement, this book distills the major events in human history into easily digestible chunks. Each essay is accompanied by an image--or a clear diagram to illustrate complex ideas--and will plug the gaps in your knowledge of the most important eras, movements and events in the history of humankind. World History in Minutes is the perfect introduction to this expansive subject.Contents include: Neanderthals, Babylonians, Attilla the Hun, Abyssinian Empire, Magna Carta, Black Death, Inca, Henry VIII Reformation, Ulster Plantations, Rousseau and the Enlightenment, Declaration of Independence, French Revolution, Tonga Civil War, Universal Suffrage, Spanish Influenza, Great Depression, Pearl Harbour, The Space Age, Civil Rights, Environmentalism, Oligarchs and Tiger Economies.
100 Things They Don't Want You To Know
by Daniel SmithWho was the Mothman? What caused the death of the Bordens? Did Lee Harvey Oswald assassinate JFK? And what was the true meaning of the 'WOW' signal? Daniel Smith, author of 100 Places You Will Never Visit, sets out to uncover the truth behind 100 unexplained events that have been shrouded in secrecy for generations. Under his investigative searchlight are mysterious landmarks, disappearances at sea, legendary myths, astonishing coincidences, UFOs, missing people and bizarre natural phenomena. Ranging from suspicious deaths (The Black Dahlia) to notorious murderers (Jack the Ripper) and from ancient artefacts (Tarim Mummies) to Cold War cover-ups (Lost Cosmonauts), via documents that remain untranslatable (Voynich Manuscript), debated icons of religion (Shroud of Turin) and puzzling paranormal appearances (Marfa Lights), Daniel Smith leaves no stone unturned in his quest to expose the bare facts and unravel the tales that have gripped curious minds for years. Also includes: Spontaneous Combustion, Whereabouts of Nazi Gold, Red Rain, Lost Literature of the Mayan Civilisation, Disappearance of Jean Spangler, Severed Feet of British Columbia, Shakespeare's Dark Lady, The Shugborough Inscription, Stonehenge, The Flying Dutchman, Lewis Carroll's Lost Diaries and the Beast of Bodmin Moor.
Information Services Today: An Introduction
by Sandra HirshThis essential overview of what it means to be a library and information professional today provides a broad overview of the transformation of libraries as information organizations, why these organizations are more important today than ever before, the technological influence on how we provide information resources and services in today’s digital and global environment, and the various career opportunities available for information professionals.
Moon Norway (Travel Guide)
by David NikelMoon Travel Guides: Your World Your WayExperience magnificent fjords, historical cities, and magical northern lights with Moon Norway.Inside you'll find:Flexible, strategic itineraries for every timeline and budget, from a week of the highlights to a three-week adventure through the whole countryFull-color photos and detailed maps throughoutCurated advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, road-trippers, and moreMust-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Find the best photo ops to capture Geirangerfjord's slender waterfalls, or hike to soaring cliffs overlooking glistening glacial lakes. Hope in the car and drive over islets and skerries on the Atlantic Road, or take a scenic train ride overlooking mountains, valleys, and fjords. Explore historic mountain towns, or wander small fishing villages along Norway's dramatic coastline. Admire world-class architecture and art in Oslo's cosmopolitan hub, or see the impressive restored vessels at the Viking Ship Museum. Sample fresh seafood and farm-to-table delicacies, mingle with the locals at neighborhood pubs, and find the best places to see the mystical aurora borealis dance across the skyExpert advice on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from Norwegian transplant-turned-local David NikelHandy tools including a glossary and a Norwegian phrasebookDetailed background information on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and cultureTravel tips for international visitors, getting around with children or as a senior, and suggestions for LGBTQ+ travelWith Moon Norway's expert tips, myriad activities, and local insight, you can plan your trip your way.Country-hopping through Europe? Try Moon Iceland, Moon Ireland, or Moon Rome, Florence & Venice.
F You Very Much: Understanding the Culture of Rudeness--and What We Can Do About It
by Danny WallaceYou're not just imagining it: People are getting more and more rude - from cutting in line, gabbing on their phones and clipping their nails on public transportation, to hurling epithets on Twitter and in real life (including a certain President who does both). And the worst part is that it's contagious, leading reasonably courteous people to stoop to new lows in order to respond to the ever-coarsening encounters we face every day. In this engaging and illuminating new book, bestselling author and all-around curious guy Danny Wallace looks at the reasons behind the rudeness, and what we can do to stop it. His quest to stop the madness includes interviews with neuroscientists, psychologists, NASA scientists, politicians, and other experts. He joins a Radical Honesty group, talks to LA drivers about road rage, and confronts his own online troll in a pub--all to better understand the scourge that's turning normal people into bullies, tantruming toddlers, trolls, and other types of everyday monsters. Want to be part of the solution? Let Danny Wallace be your smart and funny guide.
Moon Amsterdam Walks (Travel Guide)
by Moon Travel GuidesExperience Amsterdam like a local: on foot! Wander along Amsterdam's sparkling canals and bask in the diversity of its village vibes and cosmopolitan culture with Moon Amsterdam Walks. This full-color guide features: Six customizable walks through the city's hippest neighborhoods, including the Center, Westerpark, the Jordaan, De Pijp, and more, with color-coded stops and turn-by-turn directions; Foldout maps of each route and a removable full-city map, in a handy, portable guide; Curated "Top Ten" lists for restaurants, nightlife, museums, and Sunday activities; The top attractions and the best-kept local secrets: Stroll the canals and admire postmodern architecture, or discover unique boutiques and emerging designers in the buzzing central district. Make like the locals and rent a bike, ride along busy boulevards, and break for a picnic or movie screening at a public park. Explore the city's history in its myriad museums, or peruse contemporary art exhibits in industrial-style galleries. Sip craft beer at a traditional brewery, or artisanal coffee at an outdoor café. Sample seasonal dishes at a trendy farm-to-table restaurant, and dance the night away to DJ sets at the city's hippest nightclubs; Public transportation options, including bike rentals, tram or metro, and ferry; Practical tips for first-time visitors, including average costs, where you'll need to make a reservation, public holidays, and getting to and from the airport. With creative routes, public transit options, and a full-city map, you can explore Amsterdam at your own pace, without missing a beat.
Moon Oslo (Travel Guide)
by David NikelMoon Travel Guides: Your World Your WayOne of Europe's fastest growing cities, Oslo offers visitors a perfect mixture of art, culture, and wilderness. Discover Norway's vibrant capital with Moon Oslo.Strategic itineraries for any budget or timeline, from three days in the city to island-hopping in the Oslofjord, plus day trips to Frederikstad and LillehammerUnique attractions and can't-miss activities: Visit the waterfront opera house, National Gallery, or Royal Palace for a taste of art and culture, or tour the Viking Ship Museum to explore Norway's ancient past. Wander the Akerselva Riverwalk, sample some of Oslo's delicious traditional foods, or splurge on seasonal Scandinavian delights at one of the city's four Michelin-starred restaurants. Go island-hopping by sailboat, explore skerries, lighthouses, and quaint fjordside towns, or take the metro to the cross-country ski trails surrounding the cityExpert advice from expat-turned-local David Nikel on when to go, where to stay, and how to get aroundFull-color, vibrant photos and detailed maps for exploring on your ownThorough background information on the landscape, history, and cultureHandy tools including a Norwegian phrasebook and tips for LGBTQ+ travel, visitors with disabilities, and business travelersFocused coverage of Downtown Oslo, Frogner & Bygødy, Grunerløkka, Frognerseteren, Nordmarka, Østmarka, and HovedøyaWith Moon Oslo's practical tips, myriad activities, and an insider's view on the best things to do and see, you can plan your trip your way.Exploring beyond the city? Try Moon Norway. For more Nordic adventures, check out Moon Iceland or Moon Reykavíc.
Management in Minutes: 200 Key Concepts Explained In An Instant (In Minutes)
by Philippa AndersonThis remarkable, concise handbook contains all the essential tools you need to successfully manage a business, whether it's your own start-up or as part of a corporate giant. With this efficient, compact guide, you will almost instantly be able to familiarize yourself with such key management concepts and techniques as benchmarking, branding, core competition, empowerment, leadership, mergers and acquisitions, project management and the supply chain.
Hitchcock
by Francois TruffautIconic, groundbreaking interviews of Alfred Hitchcock by film critic François Truffaut—providing insight into the cinematic method, the history of film, and one of the greatest directors of all time.In Hitchcock, film critic François Truffaut presents fifty hours of interviews with Alfred Hitchcock about the whole of his vast directorial career, from his silent movies in Great Britain to his color films in Hollywood. The result is a portrait of one of the greatest directors the world has ever known, an all-round specialist who masterminded everything, from the screenplay and the photography to the editing and the soundtrack. Hitchcock discusses the inspiration behind his films and the art of creating fear and suspense, as well as giving strikingly honest assessments of his achievements and failures, his doubts and hopes. This peek into the brain of one of cinema’s greats is a must-read for all film aficionados.
Social Security, Medicare and Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement and Medical Benefits
by Joseph Matthews<p>Your complete guide to Social Security retirement and medical benefits. <p>The rules for claiming Social Security have changed. Find out if you still qualify to file and suspend benefits or to choose between your own benefits and spousal benefits before these strategies disappear. Learn this and more with <i>Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions</i>--completely updated for 2018. <p> <li>Social Security benefits. Figure out how to get retirement, disability, dependents and survivors benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Decide whether it's best to claim benefits early, at full retirement age, or not until you turn 70--and how to time your claims so you and your spouse get the best benefits. <li>Medicare & Medicaid. Learn how to qualify for and enroll in both programs, including Medicare Part D drug coverage. <li>Medigap insurance & Medicare Advantage plans. Understand what new Medigap policies are available (and old ones that aren't), compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, and choose what's best for you. <li>Government pensions & veterans benefits. Discover when and how to claim the benefits you have earned. Whether you're looking for yourself or helping a parent, you'll find valuable information here, including how to file many essential forms online.</li> </p>
Nonprofit Meetings, Minutes & Records: How To Run Your Nonprofit Corporation So You Don't Run Into Trouble
by Anthony MancusoNonprofit? Stay out of IRS trouble with the ultimate corporate housekeeping tool! Nearly 1.5 million nonprofit organizations are busy preserving historic sites, saving libraries, helping the homeless, greening our cities--and so much more. Yet, while some have sophisticated record-keeping systems, most nonprofits are staffed by volunteers who need help running the organization and keeping up a proper--and legal--paper trail. Help has arrived! With Nonprofit Meetings, Minutes & Records, you'll get the all-in-one solution every nonprofiteer needs to hold meetings and document actions taken by board members. Step by step, it walks readers through: calling meetings appointing officers taking minutes making resolutions voting on proposals adjourning meetings working with a lawyer, if necessary, and finding a tax adviser. Nonprofit Meetings, Minutes & Records also provides useful tips and advice on how to do important tasks, such as organizing records, preparing meeting folders, and taking minutes. Plus, all necessary legal documents are included for you to fill out. It's everything you need to keep your nonprofit running smoothly and legally.
Dictionary of Lexicography
by R. R. Hartmann Gregory JamesDictionaries are among the most frequently consulted books, yet we know remarkably little about them. Who makes them? Where do they come from? What do they offer? How can we evaluate them?The Dictionary of Lexicography provides answers to all these questions and addresses a wide range of issues:* the traditions of dictionary-making* the different types of dictionaries and other reference works (such as thesaurus, encyclopedia, atlas and telephone directory)* the principles and concerns of lexicographers and other reference professionals* the standards of dictionary criticism and dictionary use.It is both a professional handbook and an easy-to-use reference work.This is the first time that the subject has been covered in such a comprehensive manner in the form of a reference book. All articles are self-contained, cross-referenced and uniformly structured. The whole is an up-to-date and forward-looking survey of lexicography.
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2017
by Hugh JohnsonHugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2017 is the essential reference book for everyone who buys wine - in shops, restaurants, or on the internet. Now in its 40th year of publication, it has no rival as the comprehensive up-to-the minute annual guide.. Hugh Johnson provides clear succinct facts and commentary on the wines, growers and wine regions of the whole world. He reveals which vintages to buy, which to drink and which to cellar, which growers to look for and why. Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book gives clear information on grape varieties, local specialities and how to match food with wines that will bring out the best in both. This year's special anniversary edition also contains a colour supplement exploring 40 fascinating stories from cities with great vineyards close by to 'new' grapes that have come on the scene.
Be the Best, Best Man & Make a Stunning Speech!
by Phillip Khan-PanniThe focus of this book is on that brief but terrifying prospect: the Best Man's speech. The book includes techniques for using stories, jokes and quotations that will lift your speech well above the bare necessities, helping you not only to make the speech, but also to enjoy it. More than just a guide to the Best Man's speech, this book is a one-stop guide to being a really effective, all round, Best Man. Above all its purpose is to help you enjoy your role as Best Man and to make it an occasion that honours the groom and his chosen bride.Contents: 1. Your complete guide to being best man 2. Myths and legends 3. Duties of the best man 4. Planning your speech 5. Preparation 6. Writing the speech in eight steps 7. Things to avoid 8. The big day 9. Delivery 10. Anecdotes 11. Jokes and quotes 12. Traditional and celebrity sayings 13. Sample toasts - beginnings, middles and endings 14. Mixed marriages Sample speeches