Whether you're a novice or an experienced amateur astronomer, The Rough Guide to the Universe is an indispensable book. Giving both a guide to the universe and an accessible overview of the science of astronomy, the Rough Guide features: bull; Concise information on every planet in the solar system, as well as the sun, moon, asteroids and comets. bull; Practical advice on observing the planets and stars, with binoculars, telescopes and the naked eye. bull; Incisive explanations of the latest theories about how the universe began and how it might end, the formation of galaxies and galaxy clusters, and weird concepts such as dark matter, worm holes and superstrings. bull; Dozens of photographs, plus star charts of every constellation, showing the night sky in the Northern and the Southern hemispheres. bull; Detailed listings of star clubs, planetariums, "deep sky " sites and Internet resources. John Scalzi is a writer and backyard astronomer who views the universe from the dark skies of Ohio's Amish Country.

Whether you’re a novice or a more experienced astronomer, The Rough Guide to The Universe is indispensable. The truth may or may not be out there, but space is the place to look, and the Rough Guide to the Universe takes it all in, from our own moon to the furthest frontiers of the known universe - and then speculates about what lies beyond. This fascinating guide is not meant to delve too deeply; instead it gives the reader the grounding needed to appreciate the night sky. Clue- up on the basics with concise information on every planet in the solar system, and practical advice on observing the planets and stars with binoculars, telescopes and the naked eye. You’ll find the latest theories about how the universe came to exist, incisive explanations of the formation of galaxies and weird concepts such a dark matter, wormholes and superstrings. The guide also provides travel-based information on planetariums, observatories and 'deep sky' sites as well as listings of star clubs, space news sources and other Internet resources. With dozens of photographs and star charts of every constellation, The Rough Guide to the Universe is The Stargazer’s essential handbook

Don't Panic. The Rough Guide to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy explores the ever-expanding universe created by Douglas Adams- the must-have companion for both long-term enthusiasts and those discovering the Hitchhiker's stories for the first time. You'll find everything you need to know about the stories so far including the saga's numerous incarnations: books, TV show, movie, radio series and more. The guide covers key Hitchhiker's concepts and plot devices from tea, cricket and towels to small yellow fish and the stories behind all your favourite characters: Ford Prefect, Arthur Dent, Zaphod Beeblebox, Trisha McMillan and, of course, Marvin, the paranoid Android. The guide features useful background on the life and times of Douglas Adams unveilling his influences and passions and an overview of his other works. Newcomers will find the guide packed with accessible information whilst committed fans will love the online resources section which includes the lowdown on the official fanclub, ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha.

An all-encompassing guide to skeptical thinking from podcast host and academic neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine Steven Novella and his SGU co-hosts, which Richard Wiseman calls "the perfect primer for anyone who wants to separate fact from fiction." It is intimidating to realize that we live in a world overflowing with misinformation, bias, myths, deception, and flawed knowledge. There really are no ultimate authority figures-no one has the secret, and there is no place to look up the definitive answers to our questions (not even Google). Luckily, The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe is your map through this maze of modern life. Here Dr. Steven Novella-along with Bob Novella, Cara Santa Maria, Jay Novella, and Evan Bernstein-will explain the tenets of skeptical thinking and debunk some of the biggest scientific myths, fallacies, and conspiracy theories-from anti-vaccines to homeopathy, UFO sightings to N- rays. You'll learn the difference between science and pseudoscience, essential critical thinking skills, ways to discuss conspiracy theories with that crazy co- worker of yours, and how to combat sloppy reasoning, bad arguments, and superstitious thinking. So are you ready to join them on an epic scientific quest, one that has taken us from huddling in dark caves to setting foot on the moon? (Yes, we really did that.) DON'T PANIC! With The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe, we can do this together. "Thorough, informative, and enlightening, The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe inoculates you against the frailties and shortcomings of human cognition. If this book does not become required reading for us all, we may well see modern civilization unravel before our eyes." -- Neil deGrasse Tyson "In this age of real and fake information, your ability to reason, to think in scientifically skeptical fashion, is the most important skill you can have. Read The Skeptics' Guide Universe; get better at reasoning. And if this claim about the importance of reason is wrong, The Skeptics' Guide will help you figure that out, too." -- Bill Nye

Exploring the origins of "His Dark Materials" back to the life of its creator, this resource also covers the creation of the trilogy, author Phillip Pullmans inspiration, response from reviewers, fans, and religious leaders, and a guide to the meaning of Pullmans alternate words.Rough Guide

Author John Scalzi demystifies the world of online money by walking readers through the basic steps of setting up online banking and brokerage accounts and making their first online transactions and trades. The guide deals with both simple and advanced banking and investing functions, covering topics from mortgages, car loans and credit cards to filing taxes online and day trading. In addition there are hundreds of reviews of online banking and investment sites and a directory of where to find the best financial news and commentary.

This guide discusses laughter in the cinema, from "Airplane!" to "Withnail and I" and from John Belushi to Billy Wilder.

A practical guide to viewing the universe.

Find the future now with 50 predictions in The Rough Guide to the Future. Wondering what's really in store for the human race? Nanotechnology and gene enhancements, solar power and carbon capture? Or oil shocks, water wars, food shortages, and mass extinction? The Rough Guide to the Future cuts a clear path through the jungle of scientific research and political debate, steering you around the prophets of doom and the utopian visionaries, to take you on a tour of the likeliest possibilities for the rest of this century - and beyond. It covers 50 predictions from the world's leading futurologists and chronicles predictions from the past along with visions of the future. You'll find out where we go from here with The Rough Guide to the Future.