Books | The Alien World

Jan 24

Books I read…

Posted in: My Life

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Jul 03

“A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson

Posted in: Reviews

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Last month during my visit to Bangalore for recruitment, I bought couple of books. One of which is “A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson.

The book deals with the universe, different theories around it, its evolution, about us, how we evolved, and lot more. The writer has written the book in a very interesting way. You can read this book even if you are not from a science background. The preface itself is very interesting, where the writer has woven a story around an atom, and how everything in this world.. infact the whole universe is made of same atoms. The narration and building a story around a topic is beautiful. Even if you are aware about what an atom is, while reading the book you will feel that you are going through a science fiction and mysteries keeps unfolding at you progress.

The book starts of well, but few of the chapters are too long. You may loose track of things sometimes.

It seems like the writer has done a lot of research before writing down this book. There are cross references from scientific journals, history, and religions. In the end you will find the index and references list.

Overall an excellent compilation of science, theories, myths. A must read for people who want to explore the universe and want to know more about it.

Jan 31

Surviving at Sea after a shipwreck

Posted in: Did you know

Instruction Manual

Always read instructions carefully.
Do not drink urine, or sea water or bird blood.
Do not eat jellyfish, or fish that are armed with spikes or have parrot-like beaks, or that puff up like balloons.
Pressing the eyes of a fish will paralyze them.
The body can be a hero in the battle. If a castaway is injured, beware of well-meaning but ill-informed medical treatment. Ignorance is the worst doctor, while rest and sleep are best nurses.
Put up your feet at least five minutes every hour.
Unnecessary exertion should be avoided. But an idle mind tends to sink, so the mind should be kept occupied with whatever light distraction may suggest itself. Playing card games, Twenty Questions and I Spy With My Little Eye are excellent forms of simple recreation. Community singing is another sure-fire way to lift the spirits. Yarn spinning is also highly recommended.
Green water is shallower than blue water.
Beware of far-off clouds that look like mountains. Look for green. Ultimately, a foot is the only good judge of land.
Do not go swimming. It wastes energy. Besides, a survival craft may drift faster than you can swim. Not to mention the danger of sea life. If you are not hot, wet you cloths instead.
Do not urinate on your cloths. The momentary warmth is not worth the nappy rashes.
Shelter yourself. Exposure can kill faster than thirst or hunger.
So long as no excessive water is lost through perspiration, the body can survive up to fourteen days without water. If you feel thirsty, suck a button.
Turtles are an easy catch and make for excellent meals. Their blood is a good, nutritious, salt-free drink; their flesh is tasty and filling; their fat has many uses; and castaway will find turtle eggs a real treat. Mind the beak and the claws.
Don’t let your moral flag. Be daunted, but not defeated. Remember: the spirit, above all else, counts. If you have the will to live, you will.