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5.11.08
2 bits
Okay, here goes. I'm not sure how this posting works, but I'm going to try. I guess I'm going to say a little about each book...so that makes two bits. I think I've read far enough to make a post.
First bit: I'm through chapter 17 in A Short History of Nearly Everything. It's a fun book I think...although I've never had an alien class...which might be more fun. I must say the chapter about Yellowstone (Dangerous Beauty) made me quite nervous, but hey if the thing blows we won't around to worry about it, so no big deal. I like all the funny little details that Bryson gives about the scientists and their lives. It makes it an enjoyable read. To a certain extent though, I'm not sure he answers all the questions he says he is going to...for example, how do we know things. I realize he's not writing for a scientific audience, but it seems like he tells us who came up with a theory and when, but not entirely how, or why that theory actually works...we would all have to know a lot more science to understand all that perhaps. I also find it funny that he is more comfortable with zeros than scientific notation. My brain can't deal with a bunch of zeros in a row, but if I see the scientific notation I can get a handle on how big something is. I found the discussion of geology throughout quite interesting. I think it's fascinating how science develops in fads, just like everything else. I'm not sure I think of modern scientific societies as social clubs, or things people do as hobbies. But it feels like they were like that once. What do you all think of the scientific societies you take part in/observe?
Second bit: I have finished the Life, the Universe and Everything. I'm not sure I will have any spoilers here, but if you're worried, stop reading. Although the book was kind of fun, I must confess that I haven't read the first two books...so I was wondering about some things. What was Trillion like in the first two books? Does she have a story, other than being the girlfriend of the two-headed president?
Anyway, sorry it took me so long to find my way to the blog. I hope to hear from you all soon.
Kathy
First bit: I'm through chapter 17 in A Short History of Nearly Everything. It's a fun book I think...although I've never had an alien class...which might be more fun. I must say the chapter about Yellowstone (Dangerous Beauty) made me quite nervous, but hey if the thing blows we won't around to worry about it, so no big deal. I like all the funny little details that Bryson gives about the scientists and their lives. It makes it an enjoyable read. To a certain extent though, I'm not sure he answers all the questions he says he is going to...for example, how do we know things. I realize he's not writing for a scientific audience, but it seems like he tells us who came up with a theory and when, but not entirely how, or why that theory actually works...we would all have to know a lot more science to understand all that perhaps. I also find it funny that he is more comfortable with zeros than scientific notation. My brain can't deal with a bunch of zeros in a row, but if I see the scientific notation I can get a handle on how big something is. I found the discussion of geology throughout quite interesting. I think it's fascinating how science develops in fads, just like everything else. I'm not sure I think of modern scientific societies as social clubs, or things people do as hobbies. But it feels like they were like that once. What do you all think of the scientific societies you take part in/observe?
Second bit: I have finished the Life, the Universe and Everything. I'm not sure I will have any spoilers here, but if you're worried, stop reading. Although the book was kind of fun, I must confess that I haven't read the first two books...so I was wondering about some things. What was Trillion like in the first two books? Does she have a story, other than being the girlfriend of the two-headed president?
Anyway, sorry it took me so long to find my way to the blog. I hope to hear from you all soon.
Kathy
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