The Scientific American Library

Posted on by frankwmcarr

As one who loves creation (and of course, its Creator) I love to learn science topics, whether in school (as we approach such, for summer is wrapping up and we soon enter the fall semester),  or just by reading and personal self-study.

The Scientific American Library, while now out of print, is still an awesome way to learn a number of topics on science.  You can find them in the Amazon Marketplace (Amazon’s department for sellers not part of Amazon) and cost a minimum of $4 per book (actually, a cent plus $3.99 for shipping)

There are many neat topics in this series.  They usually don’t demand too much scientific background, but if they do, it may be enough to Google certain points that you find murky.  Moreover, they are often interdisciplinary, so you see connections among topics.

Best of all, they include some historical and cultural background and practical applications; to support the info (instead of the in-your-face science of typical textbooks made for scholastic use).  While a layman series, it can be semi-technical at times, so again, have Google ready in case you’re stumped.

And since no book, let alone no series of books, has all knowledge on its topic, there’s always more to learn, through the internet, etc.

While I have abandoned some titles because I was “finished” with them, I may get them back (with the hope I can get the whole series and perhaps devour them).  Also, they may make good reference, even though I may have additional college textbook material.  But I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.

 

“Cedar City Books” – Another Great Occupational Idea!

Posted on by frankwmcarr
Yippee! The first of these “Seven Sisters of Text” has been sold through Amazon. In fact, when shipping, I will mark it anonymously (under the name “Cedar City Books”) on the return address. I will ship it tomorrow at the post office, then shortly get my money by the click of a button. To further keep anonymity strong, I don’t disclose my Apt# on the return address.  Thus, people won’t be able to tell it’s from a residential source, since that’s none of their concern.
Books
A selection of Swedish books (though I only speak English). But books are books!
Maybe, if I feel bookselling is a good calling, maybe I won’t even need college, as long as a bookseller is able to train/mentor me and then when the time is right, start my own book business, which could be brick-and-mortar and/or web based. And don’t fret, I can probably use my existing talents just as well.  Of course, blogging and other writing is definitely one, though there are certain factors, such as audience, editing, and mass publication that must be considered, which may go wrong causing quite an embarrassment.
As for the standard collegiate biology zeal; to tell the truth, that is just one of many subjects I like.  Being the bookworm I am, I have my whole life to explore all kinds of subjects in various depths.  But I, being somewhat traditional among Millennials (often in line with Baby Boomers, etc.), still like the fact of holding of a physical book.
And of course, as a Christian, maybe I could work in a church library, not to mention be more open to both Christian and secular books at “Cedar City.”
In the next post, I will discuss an alternative career that is similar.  (It’s a surprise, so don’t let the suspense kill you.  Here’s a hint:  this one needs college.)
So gather into a “nook” of your house near a “kindling” fireplace and enjoy a real book!  There’s nothing like it.

Reading and Learning 21st Century Style

Posted on by frankwmcarr
These may not last very long.
These may not last very long.

(Disclaimer:  This is not an endorsement for any organization, including eSword, Phoenix, Britannica, Amazon, etc.)

First papyrus, then Gutenberg’s printing press.  And now, there’s the internet, which has many sites (alas, of varying trustworthiness) to view.

For example, the e-Sword computer program, provides commentaries and other great resources for Bible study.

While my time at Phoenix U (the popular online school) was short, I still get to enjoy the textbooks (and other library resources) they have.  I am one of those few who would read a textbook for fun, and enjoy it.  Some are directly viewable on the Phoenix portal, others must be downloaded.  Still, it is invaluable, both for first-time reading and review.  If I feel disposed to do so, I’d be more than happy to blog about updates in fields of such.

And of course, you got the Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble’s rival (the Nook).  This will make all valid books (which is only a fraction of all books out there) available on either format, and may lead to their print demise.

While I probably prefer physical books over an e-book, life goes on and print books are on their slow decline.  The beloved Encyclopedia Britannica, for example, is only available online; print and CD/DVD versions have been discontinued.  The online Britannica, by the way, is also available via Phoenix as well as the Community College of Philadelphia library.

And of course, there’s the pesky Wikipedia.  (Need I say more?)

So whether you prefer the old-school (pardon the pun) physical book format, online reading, or a little of both, all learning and other reading won’t change.