Cosmosapiens

Cosmosapiens

Author: John Hands

Publisher: Abrams

Published: 2017-10-31

Total Pages: 711

ISBN-13: 146831324X

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“A critical overview of scientific orthodoxy in an attempt to answer the fundamental questions “what are we?” and “why are we here?” (Kirkus Reviews). Specialist scientific fields are developing at incredibly swift speeds, but what can they really tell us about how the universe began and how we as humans evolved to play such a dominant role on Earth? John Hands’s extraordinarily ambitious book merges scientific knowledge from multiple disciplines and evaluates without bias or preconception all the theories and evidence about the origin and evolution of matter, consciousness, and mankind. The result, a “pearl of dialectical reasoning” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), provides the most comprehensive account yet of current ideas such as cosmic inflation, dark energy, the selfish gene, and neurogenetic determinism. In the clearest possible prose, it differentiates the firmly established from the speculative and examines the claims of various fields to approach a unified theory of everything. In doing so it challenges the orthodox consensus in those branches of cosmology, biology, and neuroscience that have ossified into dogma. Its “shocking and invigorating” analysis (Daily Telegraph, A Best Science Book of 2015) reveals underlying patterns of cooperation, complexification, and convergence that lead to the unique emergence in humans of a self-reflective consciousness that enables us to determine our future evolution. This groundbreaking book is destined to become a classic of scientific thinking. Praise for Cosmosapiens “This is a truly exceptional piece of work.” —Tim Crane, Knightsbridge Professor of Philosophy, The University of Cambridge “A game-changer. In the tradition of Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, this lucidly written, penetrating analysis challenges us to rethink many things we take for granted about ourselves, our society, and our universe. It will become a classic.” —Peter Dreier, E P Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics, Occidental College “Hands is an astute observer of recent trends in scientific ideas bold enough to point out what he sees as sense and nonsense and intelligently explain why. Even in cases where one might disagree, the arguments are thought-provoking.” —Paul Steinhardt, Albert Einstein Professor in Science, Princeton University


Book Synopsis Cosmosapiens by : John Hands

Download or read book Cosmosapiens written by John Hands and published by Abrams. This book was released on 2017-10-31 with total page 711 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “A critical overview of scientific orthodoxy in an attempt to answer the fundamental questions “what are we?” and “why are we here?” (Kirkus Reviews). Specialist scientific fields are developing at incredibly swift speeds, but what can they really tell us about how the universe began and how we as humans evolved to play such a dominant role on Earth? John Hands’s extraordinarily ambitious book merges scientific knowledge from multiple disciplines and evaluates without bias or preconception all the theories and evidence about the origin and evolution of matter, consciousness, and mankind. The result, a “pearl of dialectical reasoning” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), provides the most comprehensive account yet of current ideas such as cosmic inflation, dark energy, the selfish gene, and neurogenetic determinism. In the clearest possible prose, it differentiates the firmly established from the speculative and examines the claims of various fields to approach a unified theory of everything. In doing so it challenges the orthodox consensus in those branches of cosmology, biology, and neuroscience that have ossified into dogma. Its “shocking and invigorating” analysis (Daily Telegraph, A Best Science Book of 2015) reveals underlying patterns of cooperation, complexification, and convergence that lead to the unique emergence in humans of a self-reflective consciousness that enables us to determine our future evolution. This groundbreaking book is destined to become a classic of scientific thinking. Praise for Cosmosapiens “This is a truly exceptional piece of work.” —Tim Crane, Knightsbridge Professor of Philosophy, The University of Cambridge “A game-changer. In the tradition of Thomas Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, this lucidly written, penetrating analysis challenges us to rethink many things we take for granted about ourselves, our society, and our universe. It will become a classic.” —Peter Dreier, E P Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics, Occidental College “Hands is an astute observer of recent trends in scientific ideas bold enough to point out what he sees as sense and nonsense and intelligently explain why. Even in cases where one might disagree, the arguments are thought-provoking.” —Paul Steinhardt, Albert Einstein Professor in Science, Princeton University


Housing Co-Operatives

Housing Co-Operatives

Author: John Hands

Publisher:

Published: 2015-10-18

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 9780993371905

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At a time of growing housing crisis in Britain this republication of John Hands's classic Housing Co-operatives could not be timelier. It provides a unique mixture of theory and practice, showing from other countries and from the author's own experience how housing co-operatives can work and how they can fail. In a new Introduction John Hands argues that the creation of a third tenure for housing in Britain distinct from both individual owner occupation on the one hand and tenancy-whether from private or social landlord-on the other hand is urgently needed. The par value housing co-operative provides the residents with all the benefits of ownership in terms of control and decision-making, but it is housing for use, not property for investment. Moreover, as the book shows, a well-structured co-operative promotes the development of community values based on mutual aid and shared responsibility for their homes and immediate neighbourhood. REVIEWS "This is a book for those who believe in the power of people to shape their own lives." -The Catholic Herald "Shock, horror, drama. A new book is out about housing which says it's all about people and not about social engineering or investing for your old age...it's by John Hands who has actually succeeded in doing what he's talking about, which is to set up co-operative housing schemes that actually work." -The Guardian John Hands' timely and exemplary guide is marvellous...this is a book for all concerned in with the role of and effects of housing in this society of ours." -The Architects' Journal "A most powerful mixture of common sense and idealism, a practical man's gospel and a visionary's handbook...this is a book intended to influence events here and now." -Building "The most comprehensive account we have of co-operative principles applied to housing, the experience of other countries, and the possibilities...John Hands' book is going to be indispensable." -Colin Ward in Municipal Engineering "He shows how housing co-ops could offer, in the immediate future, a valuable alternative form of social ownership in housing, enabling people to collectively own and control one of their fundamental human rights-housing-on the basis of mutual aid rather than individual gain or distant bureaucracy." -Housing Review "The strengths and pitfalls of a co-operative framework for housing are made admirably clear." -Architectural Design "A unique mixture, thorough and practically written by a person who has spent the last seven years working full-time in developing and managing housing co-operatives... One feels that a penetrating mind has been brought to bear on the subject and the book will be of great use not only to both professionals and tenants but also to anyone who cares about one of the common ills of today-the alienation and loneliness of individuals in modern urban society." -Voluntary Housing "Housing managers will find the book not only a valuable and interesting source of practical information about housing co-operatives, but also stimulating and provocative in its penetrating observations on recent housing policies and on social and community problems besetting modern urban society." -Housing Monthly "The importance of this book is that it not only states clearly what needs to be done but goes on to discuss in detail how it is to be done... This is a book to study and discuss." -Co-operative News "The major contribution his book should make to what we call the British Co-operative Movement should be one of challenge and stimulation." -Co-operative Review "John Hands has recently published an important book on housing co-operatives in which he surveys his experiences and findings...he does not shrink from employing a critical yardstick to housing co-operatives in other countries and outlines his views about the practical action to be taken in present and future circumstances." -International Co-operative Alliance Housing Bulletin


Book Synopsis Housing Co-Operatives by : John Hands

Download or read book Housing Co-Operatives written by John Hands and published by . This book was released on 2015-10-18 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At a time of growing housing crisis in Britain this republication of John Hands's classic Housing Co-operatives could not be timelier. It provides a unique mixture of theory and practice, showing from other countries and from the author's own experience how housing co-operatives can work and how they can fail. In a new Introduction John Hands argues that the creation of a third tenure for housing in Britain distinct from both individual owner occupation on the one hand and tenancy-whether from private or social landlord-on the other hand is urgently needed. The par value housing co-operative provides the residents with all the benefits of ownership in terms of control and decision-making, but it is housing for use, not property for investment. Moreover, as the book shows, a well-structured co-operative promotes the development of community values based on mutual aid and shared responsibility for their homes and immediate neighbourhood. REVIEWS "This is a book for those who believe in the power of people to shape their own lives." -The Catholic Herald "Shock, horror, drama. A new book is out about housing which says it's all about people and not about social engineering or investing for your old age...it's by John Hands who has actually succeeded in doing what he's talking about, which is to set up co-operative housing schemes that actually work." -The Guardian John Hands' timely and exemplary guide is marvellous...this is a book for all concerned in with the role of and effects of housing in this society of ours." -The Architects' Journal "A most powerful mixture of common sense and idealism, a practical man's gospel and a visionary's handbook...this is a book intended to influence events here and now." -Building "The most comprehensive account we have of co-operative principles applied to housing, the experience of other countries, and the possibilities...John Hands' book is going to be indispensable." -Colin Ward in Municipal Engineering "He shows how housing co-ops could offer, in the immediate future, a valuable alternative form of social ownership in housing, enabling people to collectively own and control one of their fundamental human rights-housing-on the basis of mutual aid rather than individual gain or distant bureaucracy." -Housing Review "The strengths and pitfalls of a co-operative framework for housing are made admirably clear." -Architectural Design "A unique mixture, thorough and practically written by a person who has spent the last seven years working full-time in developing and managing housing co-operatives... One feels that a penetrating mind has been brought to bear on the subject and the book will be of great use not only to both professionals and tenants but also to anyone who cares about one of the common ills of today-the alienation and loneliness of individuals in modern urban society." -Voluntary Housing "Housing managers will find the book not only a valuable and interesting source of practical information about housing co-operatives, but also stimulating and provocative in its penetrating observations on recent housing policies and on social and community problems besetting modern urban society." -Housing Monthly "The importance of this book is that it not only states clearly what needs to be done but goes on to discuss in detail how it is to be done... This is a book to study and discuss." -Co-operative News "The major contribution his book should make to what we call the British Co-operative Movement should be one of challenge and stimulation." -Co-operative Review "John Hands has recently published an important book on housing co-operatives in which he surveys his experiences and findings...he does not shrink from employing a critical yardstick to housing co-operatives in other countries and outlines his views about the practical action to be taken in present and future circumstances." -International Co-operative Alliance Housing Bulletin


The Creative Tarot

The Creative Tarot

Author: Jessa Crispin

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2016-02-16

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 1501120239

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A guide for artists and creative people looking to tarot for guidance and inspiration. Written for novices and seasoned readers alike, "The Creative Tarot" is a unique guidebook that reimagines tarot cards and the ways they can boost the creative process.


Book Synopsis The Creative Tarot by : Jessa Crispin

Download or read book The Creative Tarot written by Jessa Crispin and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2016-02-16 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A guide for artists and creative people looking to tarot for guidance and inspiration. Written for novices and seasoned readers alike, "The Creative Tarot" is a unique guidebook that reimagines tarot cards and the ways they can boost the creative process.


Quantum Evolution

Quantum Evolution

Author: Johnjoe McFadden

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 9780393323108

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Marrying physics and biology, McFadden theorizes that evolution may not be random but directed, and that quantum mechanics endows living organisms with the ability to initiate specific actions, including new mutations. Illustrations.


Book Synopsis Quantum Evolution by : Johnjoe McFadden

Download or read book Quantum Evolution written by Johnjoe McFadden and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2002 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Marrying physics and biology, McFadden theorizes that evolution may not be random but directed, and that quantum mechanics endows living organisms with the ability to initiate specific actions, including new mutations. Illustrations.


Perestroika Christi

Perestroika Christi

Author: John Hands

Publisher: HarperPrism

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 500

ISBN-13: 9780061007286

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According to legend, the Virgin Mary entrusted three Russian children with secrets that could spell the end of life on Earth. As the Iron Curtain crumbles, powerful forces struggle for the very souls of humanity. Only one man holds all the keys to humanity's salvation, but can one American priest defeat both the KGB and the agents of Satan?


Book Synopsis Perestroika Christi by : John Hands

Download or read book Perestroika Christi written by John Hands and published by HarperPrism. This book was released on 1994 with total page 500 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: According to legend, the Virgin Mary entrusted three Russian children with secrets that could spell the end of life on Earth. As the Iron Curtain crumbles, powerful forces struggle for the very souls of humanity. Only one man holds all the keys to humanity's salvation, but can one American priest defeat both the KGB and the agents of Satan?


Dance to the Tune of Life

Dance to the Tune of Life

Author: Denis Noble

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 315

ISBN-13: 1107176247

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This book formulates a relativistic theory of biology, challenging the common gene-centred view of organisms.


Book Synopsis Dance to the Tune of Life by : Denis Noble

Download or read book Dance to the Tune of Life written by Denis Noble and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017 with total page 315 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book formulates a relativistic theory of biology, challenging the common gene-centred view of organisms.


How the Dog Became the Dog

How the Dog Became the Dog

Author: Mark Derr

Publisher: Abrams

Published: 2011-10-27

Total Pages: 207

ISBN-13: 1590209915

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This “informative account” of canine evolution will “appeal to dog lovers with a curiosity about the origins of their favorite companion.” (Publishers Weekly) Many have made the case that dogs have evolved from wolves but the evolutionary link between wolves and dogs remains a mystery. In How the Dog Became the Dog, Mark Derr posits that the dog’s evolution from wolf was inevitable due to the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship between wolves and hunter-gatherer humans. How the Dog Became the Dog presents the domestication of the dog as a biological and cultural process that began with a reciprocal cooperation between dogwolves and humans that evolved over time, from the first dogs that took refuge with humans against the cold at the end of the last Ice Age, to the 18th century, when humans began to exercise full control of dog reproduction, life, and death, through centuries of natural and artificial selection that led us to the many breeds of dogs we know and love today. “A transporting slice of dog/wolf thinking that will pique the interest of anyone with a dog in their orbit.” —Kirkus Reviews


Book Synopsis How the Dog Became the Dog by : Mark Derr

Download or read book How the Dog Became the Dog written by Mark Derr and published by Abrams. This book was released on 2011-10-27 with total page 207 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This “informative account” of canine evolution will “appeal to dog lovers with a curiosity about the origins of their favorite companion.” (Publishers Weekly) Many have made the case that dogs have evolved from wolves but the evolutionary link between wolves and dogs remains a mystery. In How the Dog Became the Dog, Mark Derr posits that the dog’s evolution from wolf was inevitable due to the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship between wolves and hunter-gatherer humans. How the Dog Became the Dog presents the domestication of the dog as a biological and cultural process that began with a reciprocal cooperation between dogwolves and humans that evolved over time, from the first dogs that took refuge with humans against the cold at the end of the last Ice Age, to the 18th century, when humans began to exercise full control of dog reproduction, life, and death, through centuries of natural and artificial selection that led us to the many breeds of dogs we know and love today. “A transporting slice of dog/wolf thinking that will pique the interest of anyone with a dog in their orbit.” —Kirkus Reviews


Jaws

Jaws

Author: Sandra Kahn

Publisher: Stanford University Press

Published: 2018-04-10

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13: 1503606465

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There's a silent epidemic in western civilization, and it is right under our noses. Our jaws are getting smaller and our teeth crooked and crowded, creating not only aesthetic challenges but also difficulties with breathing. Modern orthodontics has persuaded us that braces and oral devices can correct these problems. While teeth can certainly be straightened, what about the underlying causes of this rapid shift in oral evolution and the health risks posed by obstructed airways? Sandra Kahn and Paul R. Ehrlich, a pioneering orthodontist and a world-renowned evolutionist, respectively, present the biological, dietary, and cultural changes that have driven us toward this major health challenge. They propose simple adjustments that can alleviate this developing crisis, as well as a major alternative to orthodontics that promises more significant long-term relief. Jaws will change your life. Every parent should read this book.


Book Synopsis Jaws by : Sandra Kahn

Download or read book Jaws written by Sandra Kahn and published by Stanford University Press. This book was released on 2018-04-10 with total page 267 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There's a silent epidemic in western civilization, and it is right under our noses. Our jaws are getting smaller and our teeth crooked and crowded, creating not only aesthetic challenges but also difficulties with breathing. Modern orthodontics has persuaded us that braces and oral devices can correct these problems. While teeth can certainly be straightened, what about the underlying causes of this rapid shift in oral evolution and the health risks posed by obstructed airways? Sandra Kahn and Paul R. Ehrlich, a pioneering orthodontist and a world-renowned evolutionist, respectively, present the biological, dietary, and cultural changes that have driven us toward this major health challenge. They propose simple adjustments that can alleviate this developing crisis, as well as a major alternative to orthodontics that promises more significant long-term relief. Jaws will change your life. Every parent should read this book.


Of Orcas and Men

Of Orcas and Men

Author: David Neiwert

Publisher: Abrams

Published: 2015-06-16

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 1468312294

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A journalist “convincingly spells out the threats to their survival, their misery in captivity, and what scientists can learn by studying them” (Kirkus). The orca—otherwise known as the killer whale—is one of earth’s most intelligent animals. Remarkably sophisticated, orcas have languages and cultures and even long-term memories, and their capacity for echolocation is nothing short of a sixth sense. They are also benign and gentle, which makes the story of the captive-orca industry—and the endangerment of their population in Puget Sound—that much more damning. In Of Orcas and Men, a marvelously compelling mix of cultural history, environmental reporting, and scientific research, David Neiwert explores an extraordinary species and its occasionally fraught relationship with human beings. Beginning with their role in myth and contemporary culture, Neiwert shows how killer whales came to capture our imaginations, and brings to life the often catastrophic environmental consequences of that appeal. In the tradition of Barry Lopez’s classic Of Wolves and Men, David Neiwert’s book is a triumph of reporting, observation, and research, and a powerful tribute to one of the animal kingdom’s most remarkable members. Praise for Of Orcas and Men “Human beings need to learn from and understand the cooperative nature of orca society. Everyone who is interested in both animal and human behavior should read this remarkable book.” —Temple Grandin, New York Times–bestselling author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human “Powerful and beautifully written.” —Jane Goodall “Humans and killer whales have a long and complicated history, one that David Neiwert describes forcefully and eloquently in this fascinating and highly readable book.” —David Kirby, New York Times–bestselling author of Death at SeaWorld “[A] breathtaking survey of orca science, folklore, and mystery.” —The Stranger


Book Synopsis Of Orcas and Men by : David Neiwert

Download or read book Of Orcas and Men written by David Neiwert and published by Abrams. This book was released on 2015-06-16 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A journalist “convincingly spells out the threats to their survival, their misery in captivity, and what scientists can learn by studying them” (Kirkus). The orca—otherwise known as the killer whale—is one of earth’s most intelligent animals. Remarkably sophisticated, orcas have languages and cultures and even long-term memories, and their capacity for echolocation is nothing short of a sixth sense. They are also benign and gentle, which makes the story of the captive-orca industry—and the endangerment of their population in Puget Sound—that much more damning. In Of Orcas and Men, a marvelously compelling mix of cultural history, environmental reporting, and scientific research, David Neiwert explores an extraordinary species and its occasionally fraught relationship with human beings. Beginning with their role in myth and contemporary culture, Neiwert shows how killer whales came to capture our imaginations, and brings to life the often catastrophic environmental consequences of that appeal. In the tradition of Barry Lopez’s classic Of Wolves and Men, David Neiwert’s book is a triumph of reporting, observation, and research, and a powerful tribute to one of the animal kingdom’s most remarkable members. Praise for Of Orcas and Men “Human beings need to learn from and understand the cooperative nature of orca society. Everyone who is interested in both animal and human behavior should read this remarkable book.” —Temple Grandin, New York Times–bestselling author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human “Powerful and beautifully written.” —Jane Goodall “Humans and killer whales have a long and complicated history, one that David Neiwert describes forcefully and eloquently in this fascinating and highly readable book.” —David Kirby, New York Times–bestselling author of Death at SeaWorld “[A] breathtaking survey of orca science, folklore, and mystery.” —The Stranger


The Collapse of Materialism

The Collapse of Materialism

Author: Philip Comella

Publisher: Rainbow Ridge

Published: 2014-04

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781937907211

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"Philip Comella, takes a fresh and bold look at the debate between science and religion--and attempts to go farther than any other book to unite them. For years, we have been led to believe that the universe traces its roots back to the Big Bang, a cataclysmic explosion of ethereal energy that resulted in the formation of the planets, stars, and everything in-between. Suppose, though, that the cosmos wasn't, in fact, borne of a random eruption--but rather stems from the ever-evolving imagination of a multi-dimensional dreaming mind? Such a drastically different perspective would no doubt change the way we see not only ourselves, but also our place in the infinite realm of the universe. Such is the central premise of The Collapse of Materialism. Probing, well written, and thoroughly researched, Comella's insightful volume serves as a treatise on the popular misconceptions that the world of science would lead us to believe about the origins--and subsequent development-- of the universe. Comella paints the compelling picture of life as a purposeful, directed means to an end. Bolstered by a wide range of enlightening sources, including religion, eastern philosophy--and science itself--this book breaks important ground regarding the limited purview of life as we've come to know it, encouraging readers to explore the unfettered depths of a new vision of universal purpose." --Dominique Sessons, Apex Reviews


Book Synopsis The Collapse of Materialism by : Philip Comella

Download or read book The Collapse of Materialism written by Philip Comella and published by Rainbow Ridge. This book was released on 2014-04 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Philip Comella, takes a fresh and bold look at the debate between science and religion--and attempts to go farther than any other book to unite them. For years, we have been led to believe that the universe traces its roots back to the Big Bang, a cataclysmic explosion of ethereal energy that resulted in the formation of the planets, stars, and everything in-between. Suppose, though, that the cosmos wasn't, in fact, borne of a random eruption--but rather stems from the ever-evolving imagination of a multi-dimensional dreaming mind? Such a drastically different perspective would no doubt change the way we see not only ourselves, but also our place in the infinite realm of the universe. Such is the central premise of The Collapse of Materialism. Probing, well written, and thoroughly researched, Comella's insightful volume serves as a treatise on the popular misconceptions that the world of science would lead us to believe about the origins--and subsequent development-- of the universe. Comella paints the compelling picture of life as a purposeful, directed means to an end. Bolstered by a wide range of enlightening sources, including religion, eastern philosophy--and science itself--this book breaks important ground regarding the limited purview of life as we've come to know it, encouraging readers to explore the unfettered depths of a new vision of universal purpose." --Dominique Sessons, Apex Reviews