Out of this World

Customer Reviews:

JD Robb pushs the rating to a 3!.......2007-05-15

Now, the only reason that I read this novel, or gave it a 3 was because of JD Robb's Interlude in Death. THAT IS THE ONLY REASON.

Interlude in Death, by JD Robb was just what I have grown to love and expect...a wonderful read about Eve and Roarke. In this story, Eve has been asked to speak at a conference "off" planet by her Commander, Whitney. So on top of hating "space" travel, she has to solve the mystery of who killed someone she slugged hours before. It appears that someone has an axe to grind with her husband, and they aren't too particular about her as well. You will simply love as she weaves her way through an investigation with a sexy police chief who works for Roarke. This short story definately was worth a 10, hence my 3 rating. WONDERFUL.

Kinsman, by Susan Krinard was well.....had potential, but just seemed to fall flat. Two telepaths work together, one with the hope that she will locate her missing brother (and his ship), and the other hopes that she will have his child. The only thing, one of them has lost his abilities because of an accident that killed his late wife. Will he find love? Will she find her brother? Why is this story so...lacking in, maybe it is plot? Didn't make me want to go out and get another one of her books, that's for sure. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT.

Immortality, by Maggie Shayne had potential, but ended up flat as well. A witch is drowned, or rather reincarnated to......not really sure why she was reincarnated. While pregnant, she dies in a fire that she set (I think)to pay back her cheating husband and his lover. OK. So she wakes to a man (a couple of centuries later)who has also lost a wife and child. Will she fall in love with the handsome stranger? And while she waits to see, there are a host of other subplots occurring (a storm, his wife's death, etc), that makes the story less enjoyable. OK.

Magic Like Heat Across My Skin, by Laurell K. Hamilton was the most disappointing. If you read my other reviews you know that I do not like Laurell K. Hamilton, but I was willing to give her another chance. Initially, I thought ok, this is going to be interesting, and MAYBE I see why everyone likes her. But that was it, I was so disappointed. The characters that I didn't like from the later books, are present and I should have liked them more because they provided some background, but I didn't. I am still sick of Richard and Jean-Claude, and most of all Anita (who isn't Buffy, or close to it). JUST PLAIN DUMB.

So, while I read it for JD Robb, I could have done without the other stories, but you know I am a fool for a book and read it. But if you can, don't purchase, just borrow from the library.

What were you thinking?.......2007-04-21

Had it not been for Nora Robert's contribution to this book, I would have rated it with no stars. The Eve Dallas story was great as usual, however the rest of the short stories were awful. I always read what I start but in this case I should have changed that rule. Just awful!!!

A good book.......2006-10-23

I bought this book for Book #14 in the In Death series, Interlude in Death. I liked JD Robbs story and found that although short, it was very entertaining. Eve and Roarke are "off planet" for a seminar when faced with murder. She is forced to go head to head against an ex-cop considered a hero.
As for the other stories. I also found them entertaining, but have to admit that if this book didn't contain the JD Robb story, it would be going in the "good enough to read, but not good enough to keep" pile.
Interlude in Death is excellent. The rest are entertaining.

Interesting.......2006-08-07

I normally do not like sci-fi type books, but I have to say that the stories in this book were very well written and I really enjoyed them.

Out of this World.......2006-08-07

If you are a J. D. Robb fan you will love her portion of this book. To be honest, it is the only reason I bought this book and it is the only section that I enjoyed.

Vegetarian Planet: 350 Big-Flavor Recipes for Out-Of-This-World Food Every Day

Average customer rating:

Not a healthy vegetarian cookbook
Fantastic Cookbook
One of the most used cookbooks in my kitchen
Vegetarian Variety
Creative, nutritious, delicious

Vegetarian Planet: 350 Big-Flavor Recipes for Out-Of-This-World Food Every Day
Didi Emmons
Manufacturer: Harvard Common Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Vegetables & Vegetarian | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Natural Foods | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1558321144

Book Description

Never before has so much of Earth's bounty been so abundantly available in local stores and supermarkets. In Vegetarian Planet, Didi Emmons takes vibrant flavors from around the world and, using techniques known to any home cook and easy-to-find ingredients, creates 350 dishes at once bold and flavorful, soothing and homey. Not a book of recipes from this country or that, it is instead a celebration of the new, globally inspired American pantry. Vegetarians have adventuresome palates. At last, here is a book that lets them incorporate their favorite global flavors into simple everyday meals. For the many nonvegetarians who occasionally eat meatless meals but may be used to thinking of vegetarian dining as a parade of side dishes, Vegetarian Planet offers ten big chapters of substantial and hearty main dishes.

Customer Reviews:

Not a healthy vegetarian cookbook.......2007-09-26

I agree completely with the people who gave this book a low rating. The book is heavy on dairy (milk and butter). I read on the WW blog that it was recommended - but I don't understand how that can be. If a person on WW ate from the recipes in this book, they would be on WW FOREVER! Can't even resell this book for what I paid for it.

I may try later to revamp some of the recipes to be more health conscious by substituting healthier ingredients.

Fantastic Cookbook.......2007-09-10

This is a great book. The recipes are delicious, imaginative, and always come out great! What more could one ask of a cookbook?

One of the most used cookbooks in my kitchen.......2007-02-14

I happened to pick this cookbook up at my college at a book sale for $7 thinking I'd find a few good recipes for my money. It quickly became the most used books in my cookbook collection. Didi Emmons does a wonderful job of being creative with her food, but also giving basic information on how to cook things. One of my favorite aspects of her book are the "did you know" boxes on her pages, giving you a brief history of some foods to different uses for others. I highly recommend the African Tomato and Peanut soup...it's one of my favorites. One other comment I wanted to make was: neither my husband or I are vegetarian, but we found ourselves using this book for 2 or 3 meals each week, and it really cut down on the amount of money we spent at the grocery store.

Vegetarian Variety.......2006-12-03

I really like this cookbook for several reasons: the vast variety of cultures/tastes; the variety of spices, foods utilized in the recipes; the variety of dishes (soups, salads, main dishes, one-pot suppers, sandwiches, even dumplings and pizza dough!); and the ease with which many of the dishes can be prepared. Easy does not necessarily mean boring, as evidenced by the asparagus with curry butter sauce. I make this dish for almost every family get-together dinner and it always gets raves. I hate to admit how easy it is to make! I would never have thought of mixing asparagus with curry. I really appreciate the foods from various cultures, including Middle Eastern, Southwestern and Mexican. And good old-fashioned American tastes as well. Sample menus in the back of the book are very helpful and are also organized by type of meal(for example, the "I-Just-Lost-My-Job Supper -- Dinner on a Tight Budget").I haven't tried many of the desserts, although they also look good. But I haven't tried one dish I haven't liked yet. Not necessarily for vegans, since many of the dishes include cheese and milk, etc. But it's a great intro to vegetarian cooking. Nicely arranged, easy to read, fun to use.

Creative, nutritious, delicious.......2006-06-29

The recipes are creative, nutritious, and delicious. I love the upbeat tone of the book, and the sheer number of recipes is amazing. Most are time-consuming but worth it. Everything I've made from it has been popular. The veggie burgers are a particular favorite in our family and we always keep a supply in the freezer. This book is also a wealth of information on legumes, grains, exotic vegetables, ethnic condiments, store-cupboard suggestions... it is a wonderful reference.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing
My first chick-lit
Jill Shalvis RULES!
For Romance 5 Stars for Sci-Fi 1 Star - But Still Worth Reading
What happens in Alaska stays in Alaska

Out Of This World
Jill Shalvis
Manufacturer: Brava
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0758214448

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2007-10-03

This book was NOT what I expected at all. The first book I read by this author was "Get A Clue" and it was awesome, so I decided to get two more of Jill's books but this one was a totally let down. If you like books about characters with special powers and ablilities then I would suggest this one but if you don't, don't waste your money. It is a good thing I only paid $1.00 for this book because that is all that it is worth. I couldn't even finish this.

My first chick-lit.......2007-03-31

I was a bit shocked that the library carried a book with explicit sex scenes. And to think that before I knew about that I almost let my teenager read it!
I would have probably enjoyed the book much more without all the XXX, but I don't want to be a hypocrite: the sex made the book real and sensual.
Oh, I just loved Kellan's character. he is my dream guy: the best friend who always loved you faithfully but you never noticed (Ahem, blind??) and now... he's totally hot!
Some people complained about the sci-fi parts of it not being... believable or something. WHO CARES? The story is great and it happens in Alaska!
There. Read it if you like light chick-lit with lot's of sex.

Jill Shalvis RULES!.......2007-03-23

Ms. Shalvis was a new to me author; she'll be an auto-buy, now. OUT OF THIS WORLD is a delightful, campy, touch-of-paranormal contemp romance. I don't know how else to describe it. It's one heck of a good-time, sexy read.

Shalvis has her finger on the pulse of setting, characterization, and dialogue. I loved the lighter storyline - sort of an X-(Wo)Men meet the Pirates of the Caribbean, with a delicious happy ending. ; )

I can't wait to read more of her books!

For Romance 5 Stars for Sci-Fi 1 Star - But Still Worth Reading.......2007-02-23

I picked this book up because I liked one fo the short stories from Jill Shalvis in a collection. As for the romance part of the story, it was incredibly hot with tons of sexual tension between the two main characters. The two main characters were likeable and the banter/dialogue between them was great. The parts written from Kellan's point of view I found particularly good - it's kind of nice to have a romance novel from the guy's perspective. This alone makes the book worth reading.

However, the sci-fi part of the story made absolutely no sense. I'm not a big fan of sci-fi in books, but this one just didn't even try to create a universe where the story made sense. It was never really explained what was going on at the B&B and who these other people were. They just kept referring to "other planes" and "swaps" and used other terminology. It wouldn't have taken too much more to flesh out this part of the story, but when I finished the book I still had no clue what was going on. I saw no reason for this bizarre sci-fi story line(where the heck did the pirates come from?????). But, I still think the book is worth reading, just understand that this not a good sci-fi romance.

What happens in Alaska stays in Alaska.......2007-02-15

Muralist Rachel receives an unusual inheritance from an aunt she barely knows - a hotel in the wilderness of Alaska. She talks pal Kellen to accompany her to see the inn and make a determination of what to do with it. When they arrive, both appear to be struck by lightening and soon take on characteristics they did not have prior (she gets x-ray vision and he gets super human strength). They also suddenly find each other irresistible (well, Kell has nursed a crush on Rachel since grade school), and passion explodes between the two of them.

As they try to figure out what the heck is going on, and getting answers from the not so talkative staff, the two find themselves on a roller coaster ride of a weekend. Will they ever get rid of those special powers? Will their passion continue when they return to civilization or will what happened in Alaska stay in Alaska?

Not a fan or paranormal, I would usually put the book down and move on to another. But Shalvis manages to make a decent story that captures the reader's attention both with her attention to detail, witty dialogue, and dual first person narrative. By no means a great book, but it was entertaining.

G is for Galaxy: An Out of This World Alphabet Edition 1. (World/Country Alphabet)

Average customer rating:

G is for Galaxy

G is for Galaxy: An Out of This World Alphabet Edition 1. (World/Country Alphabet)
Janis Campbell , Cathy Collison , and Alan Stacy
Manufacturer: Sleeping Bear Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Science | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
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T is for Teachers: A School Alphabet
Z Is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet (Sleeping Bear Alphabets)

ASIN: 1585362557

Book Description

Aspiring astronauts, star gazing astrophysicists, and even toddlers pointing at the moon will now have the right stuff for exploring our galaxy. With rhymes for younger children and their accompanying fact-filled expository test for older readers, syndicated Yaks Corner columnists Janis Campbell and Cathy Collison shuttle us through an out of this world alphabet as seen through the windshield of a space ship. Each page answers galactic questions like: What planet is 300 times heavier than Earth? Why is space the ultimate place to study? Which planet is closest to the sun and which one is the farthest? Who said, Thats one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind?

Customer Reviews:

G is for Galaxy.......2006-01-03

Appealing introduction to astronomy for targeted 4-8 year-old audience (or precocious younger ones) as well as to expand knowledge. This grandma learned some new tidbits!! Wonderfully informative, engaging text "talks" to reader, holds interest. Details in illustrations provide added information. Author and illustrator background information of interest to young readers as well. Three households of grandchildren and their parents were delighted with this gift book.

101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius

Average customer rating:

101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius
Dave Prochnow
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Experiments & Projects | Experiments, Instruments & Measurement | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0071485481

Book Description

BLAST OFF TO THE FINAL FRONTIER WITH 101 OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD PROJECTS YOU CAN EASILY BUILD YOURSELF!

The sky is not the limit! If you yearn to touch the stars, 101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius has everything you need to explore the universe from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a beginner stargazer or a more experienced astronomer, you'll find an outstanding project to satisfy you, from model rockets and celestial maps to space robots, GPS systems, and much, much more.

Full of easy-to-follow plans and clear schematics for each project, as well as lists of materials and tools so you know exactly what's involved before you begin, 101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius

400 dazzling illustrations that let you build each of the 101 amazing how-to projects visually

First-hand experiences and case studies to help you make the most out of each project

Frustration-factor removal-needed parts are listed, along with sources

101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius provides you with all the plans, instructions, parts lists, and sources you need to:

Use GPS systems
Experiment with model rockets
Navigate your way through the universe using your computer
Build your own telescope, radio telescope, and planetarium
Read celestial maps of heavenly bodies
Create a Mars rover to explore your home
Design your own International Space Station

Average customer rating:

The Shaman's Journey
WOW!Yes with capital letters!

Out of This World
I.P. Couliano
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition

ASIN: 0877734887
Release Date: 1991-06-18

Book Description

This book takes the reader on a fantastic journey through a wide range of cultures and traditions to examine the phenomenon of ecstatic visionary experiences—from Sumerian Gilgamesh and the Taoist Immortals to the imaginative fiction of Jorge Luis Borges. The author provides a comprehensive tour of otherworldly journeys common from immemorial times among shamans, magicians, and witches, and illustrates their connection with such modern phenomena as altered states of consciousness, out-of-body experiences, and near-death experiences.

Customer Reviews:

The Shaman's Journey.......2003-06-01

This book, written by well known religious scholar I.P. Couliano, provides a wonderful background to the shamanic journey and how it can be found within all societies. He does a very nice cross cultural survey of Shamanism (and relatd concepts) in the early part of the book, showing the similarities of belief in the Americas, Siberia, Melanesia and elsewhere, as well as in Africa and Australia. From there he goes on to show the otherworldly journeys of the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Chinese Taoists, Buddhists, Iranian mystics, Greek Medicine Men and Hebrew Qabbalists. Remarkable intellectuals and visionaries fill out the last couple chapters, including Neo-Platonic philosopher Plotonius, the Prophet Mohammad and Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy. Over all, this is perhaps the greatest non-culture specific survey of the Shamanic journey available. I strongly recommend that anyone interested in Shamanism, religious experiences and mysticism in general check out this book. Considering how widely varied Shamanism is (incorporating everything from Siberian and Polynesian religions to the ecstasies of Voudon and Santeria to Sufi mysticism and beyond), it might be a good beginning book.

WOW!Yes with capital letters!.......2003-04-08

WOw!This is very important to read,especially that this was Culianu's last book to be published. WHen he wrote it, he was receiveing threating phone calls from somebody(?), and if you think a little bit.. Out of this world....hmmm? What does that mean??It necessarily means that he knew that he was going to die?Well if you want to know more about Couliano's death(the first case in USA of a teacher killed in this way) read Ted Anton's book. Anyway, this book is a must read for anybody interested in the meta's(metaphysics,metempsychosis,etc)or in the study of religions .

After Midnight (By Request 3's): Miranda's Viking/Kiss of the Shadow Man/Out-of-this-World Marriage

Average customer rating:

Finally, a book that I had to read every single page of!
Thank You!
Great Compilation

After Midnight (By Request 3's): Miranda's Viking/Kiss of the Shadow Man/Out-of-this-World Marriage
Maggie Shayne
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0373201788

Customer Reviews:

Finally, a book that I had to read every single page of!.......2000-12-14

This trilogy by Maggie Shayne contained the first of her work I had read. How sorry I am about that! I am ill a lot and to add up my book bill by the end of each month even makes me wince, let alone my husband. :) But I gotta have more of Maggie Shayne.

The first story, Miranda's Viking, was refreshingly new in concept. The fact that Rolf Magnusson's character was portrayed as extremely intelligent is believable to anyone who knows a little of the history of the Vikings at that time. They were great strategists and indeed had settled much of the coastlines of northern Europe.

The second story was a bit more predictable with an amnesia victim, but with surprising suspense twists and turns that made it very riviting. Ms. Shayne's 'people' (it's hard to call them characters they seem so human) have the same doubts, hurts and misunderstandings that happen to us all.

Finally, I loved the third story the most. Janella was alien; from another world similar to Earth. It actually follows what I believe may be true. And her doctor, Thomas Duffy, also exhibited those very human feelings that I spoke of above. Truly believable, and absolutely a fantastic read. I could not speak more highly of an author.

Thank You!.......2000-09-21

I am so glad the they are finally republishing this trilogy! It made me such a fan of this author. The bats of the night trilogy is great! I read all of them over and over. Now that they've been out of print for a while they've been hard to find. But now! I can't wait to get this. For those who love the vampire genre this is an absolute must buy. And for those who love Maggie Shayne this is a great chance to get the books that really jumpstarted her career. ENJOY!!

Great Compilation.......2000-09-20

The three stories in this compilation are fun and different.

In the first story, Miranda's Viking, Miranda O'Shea finds a 500-year-old Viking perfectly preserved in a glacial cave. When Rolf Magnusson comes to life after an accident reanimates him things become complicated for Miranda, and murder and mayhem ensue. This was a fun novel, with a great plot line and likable characters. <- Great Story

In Kiss of the Shadow Man Caitlin Rossi loses her memory after a near fatal car accident and she and her husband are granted a second chance at love. That is if Caitlin can stay alive long enough. This story was filled with suspense and love. <- Great story

In Out-of-this World Marriage Thomas Duffy is a doctor who has lost his faith in his vocation after one hopeless case to many w3hen his faith is restored by an alien who loves him. <- Mediocre story.

Book Description

Although it is now almost unanimously accepted that the cosmos started with the Big Bang, we still have no plausible theory for the forces that set this creative cataclysm into motion. Some of the most profound questions science arise out of the difficulties scientists have explaining how our Universe was born. What happened, and indeed what was, before the Big Bang? During the past few years cosmologists and physicists have begun to develop new ideas, sometimes fantastic, that are beginning to shed light on such questions. In OUT OF THIS WORLD, Stephen Webb examines these amazing recent theories. After introducing general relativity and quantum mechanics-the twin foundations of twentieth century physics-he explains how they are fundamentally incompatible. Then, in a series of increasingly astonishing chapters, he introduces us to the seemingly outlandish and bizarre proposals-from almost unbelievably small particles to huge membranes that may envelope our Universe-that physicists have devised to account for this incompatibility, ultimately leading to us to wholly new realms of understanding. Webb makes these strange and wonderful goings-on accessible, engaging, and enjoyable, conveying not just what theorists have begun to believe about the cosmos, but the awe and excitement felt by scientists as this new picture of the Universe slowly emerges.

Customer Reviews:

Too Technical.......2005-03-05

I agree with the previous reviewer. This book is much too technical for the general reader. The author repeatedly uses jargon without any explaination of what it means. I have a background in biological science and like to keep up to date on physical science. I have previously read extensively on string theory, yet I found myself repeatedly adrift in this book wondering what on earth the author was talking about.

About as exciting as the user's guide for my new fridge.......2004-11-06

Before I begin what may be construed as a rant, I'd like to say that I did complete this book and that I enjoy books of this genre on a regular basis.

"Colliding Universes, branes, strings and other wild ideas of modern physics" screams the cover. The cartoonish cover art further reinforces the idea that the reader is in for a fun ride. Sadly this book suffers from being entirely too technical for its own good. I've read every single stephen hawking book so I do not consider myself ignorant in this area. Yet I found myself lost amidst the jargon that is littered too liberally throughout this book. Somewhere between learning about SU(2)s and the SU(5)s I found myself thinking that I'd rather be driving a SUV. I think after reading this I care about as much for the X or Y boson as I do for their namesake chromosomes.

To be fair I did find the last third of the book to be interesting and not quiet as dense. And the book does cover a wide range of theories, from particle physics to strings and branes. But I still could not help feeling cheated in the end.

If you're a casual reader who just likes to to read up on concepts without getting too deep in the technical aspects of it, this book is not for you.

If you're a total newbie looking for your first book on the wild side of physics, I suggest anything by Stephen Hawkings. This book may turn you off the genre entirely.

If you're looking for something a bit more technical, but not quiet going into equations you might enjoy this book.

Personally I'd just recommend Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawkings. A superior book, by a far superior author.

Great Work Webb!.......2004-08-20

Out of this World - Colliding Universes, Branes and other Wild Ideas of Modern Physics by Stephen Webb is a humble exercise in reminding one not to judge a book by its cover.
I was surprised by the difference between my initial judgment (by its title & cartoonish cover) and my evolving sense of appreciation for the depth & thoroughness this author brings to a general lay-audience. Stephen Webb provides a clear & accessible introduction to the most important subjects in fundamental physics while bridging the gulf between "gee wiz" popular science books (e.g. "Fabric of the Cosmos") and the deeper, more technical treatments that top out at the Undergraduate and Graduate level. Keep in mind this book is, strictly speaking, categorically qualitative (i.e. non-mathematical). The 11 chapters are subdivided into succinct & digestible sections with generous figures, tables and photographs (145 total) illustrating concepts of physical processes and the key physicists involved. A 14 page Glossary, 2 page Bibliography, and a fairly thorough 6 page index close out the book.
The scope of this book is grand in its broad range of subjects is covered in a concise no-nonsense, no-holds barred language. Group Theory & Gauge Symmetries, Special & General Relativity, Quantum Theory, the Standard Model of particle physics, Quantum Field Theories (Electroweak (QED) & Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), Big Bang cosmology, and a fairly comprehensive coverage of Grand Unified Theories (GUTS), Supersymmetry (SUSY), Superstrings and M-Theory. All these subjects are put into proper historical context placing appropriate credit to the key physicists.
After an introductory chapter, Webb leads us through a profundity of symmetry principles in chapter 1: continuous & discrete symmetries, spatial & temporal translations, Noether's Theorem (symmetry & conservation laws: time-energy, rotation-angular momentum), mirror & parity symmetry, Lorentz transformations/invariance principles. The chapter concludes with a rather nice qualitative treatment on mathematical groups - introducing the reader to Special Orthogonal/Unitary (SO(N), U(1) & SU(N)) and exceptional Lie groups and their importance to symmetries in fundamental physics.
In chapter 2, the author crafts a beautiful real-world example of a practical application of both physics on a large scale (General & Special Relativity) and small scale (Quantum Mechanics: Planck scales, the Uncertainty principle and virtual interactions) by discussing how these "Twin Pillars of Physics" make the Global Positioning System possible.
Chapters 3 & 4 are my favorites. They quickly bring you through the way high energy physics produces and classifies the constituents of our Standard Model. The key concepts of units of energy, rest mass, Electric charge and spin; Fermions & Bosons, leptons, and the Quark model of Hadrons are fleshed out for our edification. Also, a fascinating aside reminds us that the World-Wide Web was created at the CERN accelerator facility in Europe and foretells of the next generation "Grid" global network system. Local Gauge Symmetry, Dirac field, QED, Feynman diagrams, perturbation & renormalization programs; the Strong interactions of SU(3)c Quark-Gluon, & color and the SU(2) X U(1) Electroweak plus Higgs unification close out chapter 4 with a nice ring. Chapter 5 is a quick but inclusive read where the fruits & faults of SU(5) GUTS and N=8 SUSY are aired out.
The early history of extra dimensions (1919 Kaluza-1926 Klein) and Edward Witten's 1981 eleven dimensional compact manifold paper are introduced in chapter 6. Chapter 7 brings us through the meat of Superstring Theories proper where Veneziano, Nambu, Susskind; Schwarz & Scherk; Calabi-Yau, Green, Witten, and Gross, Harvey, Martinec & Rohm ("Princeton String Quartet") are given due credit in the development of the Theory. Loop Quantum Gravity shows up in a one-page aside. The five types of consistent Superstring Theories are spelled out towards the end of the chapter.
Chapter 8 is titled "The Story of M". Here, Webb covers electromagnetic duality, monopoles & superconductors (`t Hooft, et. al), QCD again, heterotic SO(32), s and t duality and finally M-Theory itself. As with the rest of the book (and In the spirit of true scientific practice), the author includes both good arguments for and general criticisms against these theories. These pros & cons are given fair "air-time". D-BRANES and Black Holes are added to the mix in Chapter 9. Chapter 10 is a brisk cruise through the "Holographic Universe" principle via anti-de Sitter spacetime (AdS), Conformal field (CFT) and large-N theories.
The closing chapter (11) is a great synthesis & synopsis of some earlier travels through the lands of Quantum Fields, the Standard model of particle physics, symmetries & symmetry breaking; gravity waves & missing matter; extra dimensions, Strings, "Brane worlds", the Anthropic Principle, and "coming attractions" in high energy physics (HEP)...
All in all, this book is a substantial complement to my extensive library of physics multimedia. "Out of this World" undeniably meets my expectation for a great author to bridge the yawning gap we autodidacts crave to step across between purely pop-science to academic textbooks in the subject. I have to recommend this book to all seriously interested physics laymen who want a bigger & better picture of the way we humans strive to understand how the Universe ultimately works...
I'll read it several times and eventually pass my copy around when all this knowledge gestates & gels in my mind. Great work Webb!

Another enjoyable and informative read by Webb.......2004-07-20

The first book I ever read by Webb concerned the Fermi Paradox and was written in an enjoyable and easy style. He takes the same approach in this new one "Out of This World". The subject, on the surface anyhow, seems in some ways less-friendly - super string theory and the building blocks of the universe - but he handles it in the same easy style that a non-mathematician or scientist (such as myself) can understand.

I had recently read "Elegant Universe" and found Webbs examples more approachable. It also goes further in some areas (though on the whole I think the two compliment each other). I consider myself technically minded but not too knowledgeable of physics other than what I covered at school. His level of explanation gave me a deeper insight and the coverage of black-holes and gripping. Normally I could not imagine using the words "page-turner" in describing a book like this, but there where points where I wished my commute was longer. Whoever thought I'd understand zero to eleven dimensions!

In short I would recommend this book. It is one of the few books that has changed and shaped the way I look at the world around me. There were a few points here and there which I could not understand but that wasn't a failing on the authors part rather mine (I mean in the end, it is deep physics!).

Out of this World: Deleuze and the Philosophy of Creation

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Dr. Deleuze and dentician Halliward
You can't imagine how good this is until you actually read it.
Not quite out of this world

Out of this World: Deleuze and the Philosophy of Creation
Peter Hallward
Manufacturer: Verso
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1844675556

Book Description

A controversial critique of an iconic philosopher.

Gilles Deleuze was one of the most influential French philosophers of the last century. Michel Foucault famously suggested that the 20th century would be known as "Deleuzian." His powerful philosophy of desire, difference and "nomadic thought" seemed to hack away at all previous hierarchies in political and philosophical thought, opening a space for radical democratic transformation. Thinkers such as Jameson, Badiou and Negri all acknowledge his work as a profound influence.

Peter Hallward's new book challenges the hegemony of Deleuze's work, aiming to go right to the heart of his philosophy. It engages with the central idea that informs virtually all his work: the assertion of an unlimited creative power. Exploring the ways in which Deleuze dissolves anything that might inhibit the expression of this creativity, Hallward accuses Deleuze of being a spiritual and "other-worldly" philosopher, rather than a theorist of material complexity and difference. Hallward argues that the problems of conflict and solidarity are effectively dismissed in Deleuze's work—as is the possibility of any political transformation.

This powerful and thorough critique shows once and for all that the Deleuzian century is over. If we want to change the future we need to look elsewhere.

Customer Reviews:

Dr. Deleuze and dentician Halliward.......2007-07-25

I've been reading this book obsessively since it's publication a year ago.
I can not tell you what a godsend it has been. It has totally liberated me from the grips of a dangerous illusion, of a mirage that has haunted me since I first began reading "Capitalism and Schizophrenia" 12 years ago.
You see, D & G, as Halliward deftly illustrates, pull a nasty trick on you.
They talk of "multiplicity" and "becoming", but ultimately politics is a meaningless thing. Halliward illustrates this by poking fun at himself,as Deleuze often does;playing the figure of the "idiot." And thanks to him I can read Deleuze and not be bothered anymore by his silly little political conversation (although it is strange how this "spiritual and extra-worldly philosopher..." who "abandons the decisive subject"(pg.163) takes such a hard political stance in his interviews and books on issues ranging from abortion to the Palestinians). Freed of the political context, reading Deleuze and Guattari has become a justification for any wish of mine to come true,which of course they do. Because if they don't, I just don't care. So play the idiot and buy the book!

You can't imagine how good this is until you actually read it........2007-03-02

As the author of this book explains, his intention, first and formost, is to present Deleuze's entire philosophical project in both a comprehensive, and comprehendable manner as can be achieved in a secondary work such as this. As one begins to get into the actual presentation itself in this book, one cannot miss the fundamental methodology employed by the author himself in subtracting his unique voice from the exhibition of Deleuze's philosophy for most of this book, he only really emerges as a critic towards the end of this work. Somewhat surprising, Hallward nevertheless reaches perfection as he disappears behind his own first rate, transparent presentation of Deleuze's philosophy. But the really crucial aspect of this transparency is that Deleuze as a thinker is radically compressed in this short book, while Hallward nevertheless succeeds in hitting every major point of Deleuze's entire corpus. What emerges is simply devastating regarding Deleuze as providing any kind of significance for the present age. Where Badiou's critique might not have succeeded in showing that Deleuze is the preemminent philosopher of univocity and Oneness for the 20th cent., Hallward's book definitely will.

Not quite out of this world.......2007-02-12

Hallward presents a very comprehensive reading of Deleuze here, but some of what he says about Deleuze is so "out there" that I wonder if he really believes it himself - or whether he's just saying it to provoke controversy. Still, you can learn a lot by reading this book, as long as you keep in mind these essential warnings:

1) Deleuze admired and drew a lot from Spinoza, who is famous for having in a sense equated God and Nature: whenever Hallward quotes from Spinoza, he uses God; but when Deleuze draws from Spinoza, he means nature, or the entire universe. (Hallward acknowledges Deleuze's atheism on p.10, but then pretty much ignores it for the rest of the book.) So substitute back "Nature" or "the universe" or even "Being" each time you see "God" in this book, and you'll be getting valuable insight into Deleuze (rather than Spinoza or Bergson - or Hallward). (Wonder how the universe itself could be considered "creative"? Deleuze draws here on complexity theory and recent advances in non-linear math and science; see Manuel DeLanda's recent books on this.)

2) Deleuze insists on the existence of one and only one world (or universe), and his thought is devoted to (among other things) restoring philosophy's belief and investment in that one world. In fact, Deleuze often invokes the creation of a "New Earth" - one in which we would fully believe - as a telos for social or political philosophy! The only "world" Deleuze wants us to get "out of" (as in the title, "Out of this World") is the stultified world of habit, conformity, power, and stratification that block the creativity of being.

3) Related to the above, Deleuze views capitalism (a persistent object of his philosophical reflection) as one of the great motors of creativity, as well as one of the most powerful obstacles to the full realization of the creativity it itself unleashes. He therefore analyzes in considerable detail the nature of these obstacles: axiomatization, reterritorialization, capture, control, and so on - which clearly belies Hallward's claim that Deleuze's philosophy "inhibits any consequential engagement with the constraints of our actual world" [p.161]. Indeed, against the grain of much French poststructuralism, Deleuze insisted on returning to Marx and remaining a Marxist ("redevenir marxiste" was the phrase he used), as part of his ongoing commitment to social change. So when Hallward claims that, unlike Marx, Deleuze is interested in contemplating the world rather than changing it [p.7], don't believe it: he's just trying way too hard to be controversial!

4) Finally, watch whom he's quoting - Hallward often seems to be quoting (or attributing an idea to) Deleuze, when a quick look at the footnote reveals he's actually quoting from someone else (whether Hegel, with whom Deleuze disagrees massively [e.g. p.10 n.3], or Spinoza or Bergson, with whom Deleuze's disagreements require finer discrimination to detect than Hallward's reading usually provides). It might make the reading process a bit slower, but you'll get a much sharper picture of Deleuze himself, and less ventriloquizing from Hallward.

With these caveats in mind, you can learn a lot - about Deleuze, even! - from this thorough if idiosyncratic recent book.

Out of This World: An Anthology of the St. Mark's Poetry Project 1966-1991

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Out of Print? Out of my Mind!

Out of This World: An Anthology of the St. Mark's Poetry Project 1966-1991

Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Anthologies | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Out of Print? Out of my Mind!.......2000-04-14

To Whom It May Concern: Buy this book! Or borrow it your literary neighbor, or steal it from the library; anything, just get you hands on it. Out of This World is a comprehensive lexicon of of the life of the infamous St. Mark's in the Bowery Poetry Project. From Ginsberg to Ashberry, from O'Hara to St. Francis, from the down and dirty free verse of Paul Beatty and Jim Carroll to the the luminous prose of Mary Montenegro, this book is finger lickin' good. While it is dissappointing at times not to have more that one or two pieces by each poet, it gives you a scope that few works do. Elegantly edited and sequenced by Anne Waldman, the project's long-time director, Out of This World is a five-pound gem worth dodging library security or the wait for an out of print copy. Dig it.

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