…The planet, life & people from the big bang to the present day…
Synopsys (from book cover):
How old is the universe? When did life on earth begin? What happened to dinosaurs? How was the moon created? How did ancient Chinese science shape the modern world? How did Islam trigger globalisation? Are humans really superior to other living things? And how can you fit the complete history of the planet into one pocket-sized book?
These are just some of the questions answered in CHRISTOPHER LLOYD’s acclaimed 13.7-billion-year-history, now in brief. In this thrill-ride across millennia and continents, the complete history of the planet unfolds: from the Earth’s fiery birth to life’s near-obliteration in the Triassic period, and from the first signs of humanity to the tentative future of a world with a burgeoning population and a global warming crisis. Covering a wide range of topics including astrophysics, zoology and sociology, and complete with maps and illustrations, WHAT ON EARTH HAPPENED?…IN BRIEF is an endlessly entertaining story of the planet, life and people.
Review:
This book is an abridged version of What on Earth Happened, it was first serialised in The Independent newspaper in February this year. It quite literally takes the reader through time from the big bang to the present day.
It covers life before man, human evolution and both ancient and modern history. In fact it covers just about everything you can think of in the history of the planet. Written in chronological order I gives a great perspective, showing how different events relate to each other and how they shaped the history of the planet. It helps bind separate bits of knowledge together and put them in context with everything else. The timespan is condensed to fit into a 24 hour clock making it easier to see when things took place.
It comes complete with colour plates, time lines and top 10 lists cover important events and species. Most importantly, it has an index.
Despite the nature of the subject, it is very easy to read and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. I enjoyed it so much I have purchased the unabridged hardback copy and am looking forward to reading even more interesting snippets from planet earth.
If that has whetted your appetite you can find out more information from the book’s website.
Tags: Book Review, Evolution, History, Planet earth, Reading
The wisest mind has something yet to learn.
George Santayana
Tags: Bodium Castle, Cherie's Place Thought, National Trust
As SillyWeek draws to a close I present you with the Bounceometer. You will probably want to skip the intro and pick the wire mesh view. So click here and Enjoy 
Tags: #SillyWeek, Bounceometer, Fun
A Man in the Shed SillyWeek post:
Last time I visited Alnwick Garden I took time to explore the Treehouse which is a lot bigger than your average treehouse. It is built from Scandinavian redwood, Canadian cedar and English and Scots pine, which are sustainable resources. It is located in a copse of mature lime trees and is quite fascinating to see. There are rooms that house bars, restaurants and educational areas which are linked by walkways and wobbly rope bridges.
Although not a great lover of heights I decided I had to try out the rope bridges. I found myself alone on the bridge with two mischievous children. They thought it was great fun to make the bridge rock wildly whilst I clung on tightly trying to get to the other side as qickly as possible. They even managed to track me down when I embarked on my next bridge crossing, this time one on either side of me so that I couldn’t move anywhere…
They soon disappeared though when a man got on the other end of the bridge and played them at their own game. I got to have the last laugh after all.
Tags: #SillyWeek, Alnwick Garden, Fun, me, Treehouse
For more of this weeks PhotoHunt pictures check out tnchick
And to finish with, just a little something for Man in the Shed’s SillyWeek:
I Went To the Pictures Tomorrow,
I got a front seat at the back.
A lady gave me an ice cream,
I ate it , and gave it her back.
Tags: #SillyWeek, Boardgame, Brother, Fun, me, PhotoHunt
A Man in the Shed SillyWeek post:
When I am at work I spend most lunchtimes reading a book in the (supposedly) quiet area outside the conference rooms. Today I was trying to finish the last few pages of my book ‘What on Earth Happened…In Brief’ and sadly it was anything but quiet.
One of the conference room doors was propped open and there was a loud discussion going on about some computer initiative. I had almost tuned it out when I heard the following comment ‘wouldn’t it be great if we sang Christmas songs all year round’. There was a pregnant pause, and the voice continued with ‘we could just substitute the word Christmas for weekend then we could have those happy, feel good cheerful songs all year round’.
Then he burst into song with several examples such as ‘I wish it could be weekend everyday’. The singing stopped when someone asked ‘what about frosty the snowman?’
Hmmm! it could catch on… If it does you heard it here first
PS: I have now finished my book and a review will be coming up soon. On the plus side my copy of the unabridged version which I had on order turned up this morning too. So I have got that to look forward to.
Tags: #SillyWeek, Christmas, Life, me, Self Portrait, Weekend, Work
A Man in the Shed SillyWeek post:
Some gems from the Dumb Laws website whose headline is – Big Government. Small Brains. Dumb Laws.
These laws are supposedly still in place in the United Kingdom:
- All land must be left to the eldest son.
- Since 1313, MPs are not allowed to don armor in Parliament.
- With the exception of carrots, most goods may not be sold on Sunday.
- All English males over the age 14 are to carry out 2 or so hours of longbow practice a week supervised by the local clergy.
- London Hackney Carriages (taxis/cabs) must carry a bale of hay and a sack of oats.
- Any person found breaking a boiled egg at the sharp end will be sentenced to 24 hours in the village stocks (enacted by Edward VI).
- Any boy under the age of 10 may not see a naked mannequin.
- It is illegal for a lady to eat chocolates on a public conveyance.
Or how about some confusing signs?
- State Prison: Do Not Stop for Hitchhikers
Interstate 10, Near Phoenix, AZ
- Warning to tourists: don’t laugh at the natives.
Highway 26, Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Caution water on road during rain.
Unknown Road, Clemson, SC
- If tunnel is dark, remove sunglasses.
Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee
- Public Property, Keep out!
Jefferson City, Missouri High School Football Field
- Soccer not allowed. Soccer may only be played in archery range.
Lime Kiln Park, Grafton, WI
- Secret Nuclear Bunker >
Unknown Road Sign
- Cruise ships use airport exit
Freeway near San Diego, CA
- Cemetery Road. Dead End
South Side of San Antonio, TX
If those have whetted you appetite there is plenty more to amuse (or annoy) over at the Dumb Network.
PS: I am a little worried about the law about chocolate…
Tags: #SillyWeek, Confusing, Dumb, Fun, Laws, Signs
