Book Description
The square root of 2 is a fascinating number – if a little less famous than such mathematical stars as pi, the number e, the golden ratio, or the square root of –1. (Each of these has been honored by at least one recent book.) Here, in an imaginary dialogue between teacher and student, readers will learn why v2 is an important number in its own right, and how, in puzzling out its special qualities, mathematicians gained insights into the illusive nature of irrational numbers. Using no more than basic high school algebra and geometry, David Flannery manages to convey not just why v2 is fascinating and significant, but how the whole enterprise of mathematical thinking can be played out in a dialogue that is imaginative, intriguing, and engaging. Original and informative, The Square Root of 2 is a one-of-a-kind introduction to the pleasure and playful beauty of mathematical thinking.
Customer Reviews:
An interesting discussion.......2007-09-24
This book is somewhat curiously organized, in the form of a dialog between a Master, who is a mathematician well acquainted with the material, and a student, who is apparently someone who has had elementary algebra but is a little uncomfortable with it. By the device of dialog, a lot of mathematics is brought out, all concerned in some way with the square root of 2.
I found it pleasant to read, and recommend this book to anyone who is not so totally afraid of math that an equation scares them. You might learn some interesting math!
The square root of 2.......2007-05-07
A well written introductory mathematics text that introduces the reader to the concept of irrational numbers, as well as explaining the apparent contradiction of being able to mark out a distance equal to root 2, yet at the same time the impossibility of measuring this distance exactly. The dialog style of writing makes for a very interesting approach to the teaching of mathematics. This book is a good read for all those with a general interest in matters mathematica.
Would be absolutely outstanding with better editing to eliminate egregious errors........2007-02-04
An outstanding book by a master teacher, but with serious editing deficiencies.
This is a relatively short and interesting book covering some substantial topics in mathematics. For the most part, it can be read without the need for pencil and paper. It is only five chapters long, and although easy to read, it does require concentration.
This book is written as a discussion between a master teacher and an interested student. The teacher's words are shown in a boldface font, and the student's in an indented normal font. The selection of topics, the book's organization, and the dialog between teacher and student, help guide the reader in the appropriate direction. The book is clearly the work of an excellent teacher.
The first chapter quickly displays the strengths and weaknesses of this book. A major strength is the author's ability to grab and hold your attention, making this book like a well-written mystery story, setting the stage to draw you in and to stay until a solution is revealed. It also displays the book's major weakness, poor editing.
Unfortunately, there are numerous grammatical and substantive errors, some particularly serious for the reader new to the mathematics presented here. These appear as early as the first chapter. Some examples are: On page 11 the term "perfect number" is used incorrectly when "perfect square" is meant. On page 24 the word "is" is left out of a sentence. The illustration on page 23 represents the location of the "square root of two" differently, and incorrectly, as compared to the text discussion. In the sequence of square roots on page 30, the square root of six is inappropriately missing.
Chapter 1. "Asking the Right Questions" shows how the square root of two can arise in the simplest of contexts, as the diagonal of a unit square (i.e., a square one unit on each side). It goes on to show how it is possible to get closer and closer to this square root's true value using integer fractions, but its does not yet prove that this value cannot be exactly represented this way.
Chapter 2 introduces us to the proof of the irrationality of the square root of two and its consequences. After first presenting the proof in English, Dr Flannery shows how it can be concisely presented in mathematical notation. This Chapter explains the connection between the square root of two and the European A-Series paper sizes. It touches on Pell numbers as well as decimal expansions. The term "mixed decimal" as described in this Chapter is incorrect.
Chapter 3, using more algebra than earlier, extends the previous material. Considering that the author assumes minimal mathematical sophistication from the reader, even explaining the term inverse, the material on pages 83-94 seems inappropriately demanding. That material would clearly benefit from a gentler presentation.
The final two Chapters, 4 and 5, present some additional mathematical odds and ends, including the continued fraction expansion to approximate the square root of two, and some concepts connected to Gauss and Ramanujan.
In summary, if the seriously deficient editing, the occasionally inappropriate definitions, and the slightly roller coaster requirements for mathematical maturity were corrected, this book could serve as an exemplar of the best teaching methods, i.e., focused questions that direct the student to find and confirm the right answers.
1.414.......2007-01-10
Not exactly what I had expected, but still good nonetheless. Would make a good adjunct to an advanced high school math course.
Charming book, but serious errors.......2006-10-21
This is a charming book with lots of information (see other reviews) presented in the form of a clever teacher/student dialog. However there are serious mathematical and typographical errors. For example, pi is defined to be "the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diagonal." Flannery meant diameter; circles don't have diagonals. In another place he interchanges the numbers 48 and 84 to get the incorrect result that 36/48 = 3/7. The problem with these errors is that people read this book to get information, and the information needs to be correct.
Book Description
Updated companion volume to the ever popular Statistics at Square One (SS1)Statistical methods used in medical literature are increasingly complex but software available to apply these methods is becoming easier to use. The result is that consumers of the literature now have to grasp sophisticated methods which may be inappropriately applied.This book covers the sophisticated statistical methods and goes beyond the basics of SS1. It reviews the most commonly used modern statistical methods and highlights common misunderstandings. It is easy to read, with annotated computer outputs and a minimum of formulas.It provides worked examples of methods such as multiple and logistical regression and each chapter concludes with exercises to reinforce learning.This is for all those who need to understand statistics in clinical research papers and apply them in their own research, such as junior doctors and general practitioners.
Book Description
Is it possible to find that perfect once-in-a-lifetime love twice?
Gert Healy thought she was finished with dating. She thought she'd never again have to worry about what to wear and what to say and whether she was pretty enough. She thought that she'd be picking out strollers and booties for the children she and her husband were planning to have. Instead, she's mourning his loss and coming to terms with being a widow at twenty-nine.
It's been over a year now, and her friends -- with the best of intentions, really -- have convinced her it's time to get back into the swing of things (even though looking for love is the last thing she wants to do). Although they've developed many a dating rule between them, now that Gert's a part of their single-girl crew, she's beginning to realize they don't know the first thing about men. Of course, Gert doesn't know the first thing about dating, since she married her college sweetheart, so maybe joining forces will work out after all. But does Gert have it in her to fight her way through the leather-jacketed and miniskirted crowds in search of a second miracle?
It's back to square one on everything. Well, actually she's done it all before. Square two, then.
From the author of Carrie Pilby comes this charming and bittersweet tale of love, loss and starting over.
Customer Reviews:
Touched on my emotions..........2007-08-15
As a woman who fell in love when she was 16 and married the same man when she was 19, I can definitely identify with Gert's confusion and agony after her husband's death. Losing my own husband is one of my greatest fears, and I found myself captivated and uplifted by this tale of second chances and life after widowhood. I pray that I am never in the same situation, however it is great to read a tale of hope for a young widow anyway.
Sweet, interesting, and thoughtful portrait of searching for love. .......2007-05-04
Considering that the book was about a young widow, I expected this novel to make me cry. It didn't. Some parts of the plot actually felt rushed, but clearly all the ingredients were there. I love stories about love, and they are rarely this thoughtful and honest. Even better, it isn't just about romantic love, but also about friendship, holding on, letting go, appreciating what you have. All the characters are real, complicated, and human-- there is no villian. That was also refreshing.
If I hadn't already read CARRIE PILBY, I think I would have been more than satisfied, but expected a lot from the author of CARRIE PILBY. STARTING is not as original or surprising, but the thoughtfulness, the realness -- the down to earth truth -- is still here. I don't think that this manuscript was really ready to go, but I enjoyed it nevertheless, and I still plan to read whatever Caren Lissner writes next.
Fun.......2006-01-25
This is a fun and light read. It keeps you guessing about the end
Skip It.......2005-08-21
This was a serious chick-lit book and, unlike Carrie Pilby (by this same author), not very fun to read. The subject covered here is widowhood; Gert, a 29 year old, loses her husband Marc in a car crash and has to begin dating again in NYC. There is tremendous focus on Gert and her status as a widow - in fact, this could easy be a self-help book/guidance book for widows themselves. Unless you are particularly engaged by this author or this sad subject matter I would advise skipping the book. Because, in addition to being a sad subject (and the author makes it sad), Gert has 2 'friends' who aren't very friendly at all. Her friends, Ericka and Hallie, are so opposite to Gert in terms of kindness and authenticity, that you marvel at why Gert would even hang out with them. The friendship between the 3 girls was another facet of the book that seemed out of place and unbelievable. Also, when Gert decides to date again, she meets Tom, a train conductor, on her first night out - it seems impossible to meet 'the one' so quickly, but she remains with Tom throughout the book. I'm a bit perplexed by this book - what exactly is this author intending us to get from her writing? The book is far more serious than most chick-lit out there and not many women in the 20something age range will find it easy to identify with Gert. I would steer clear of this one unless you have a reason for reading it.
Poignant tale of moving on after losing your first love.......2005-06-20
Gert never thought she'd have to date again, but her world came crashing down when her husband Marc is killed in a car accident. Wracked with survivor guilt, she reluctantly bar hops with her single friends who try to teach her the ins and outs of dating. The only problem is that Gert hasn't been on a date in almost ten years. She's also struggling with the disintegration of her relationship with Marc's family - when he died, her role in their family ceased to exist.
On her first outing, she meets Todd and they hit it off, much to the dismay of her friends. Apparently their rules state you cannot date the first guy you meet. Soon her friend Hallie is asking to be set up with his friend. Gert's relationship with Todd is sweet - the polar opposite of Marc. As they get closer, she realizes that she must eventually tell him about Marc. When she finally does, he appears understanding, and then slowly seems to drift away (but perhaps it is all in her mind).
Meanwhile, Erika is stalking former boyfriend Ben and his wife. She dumped Ben in college, and after three months, decided he was her soul mate. Of course, he found another soul mate, married her, and now has a second baby on the way. Ben's wife is so happy that she has created a webpage that Erika becomes obsessed with, which eventually takes it's toll on Erika's sanity.
The story is heart wrenching, particularly Gert's moments of reflective solitude, her participation in grief counseling comprised primarily of young widows from the 9/11 tragedy (Marc died a few days prior), and the feeling that while her friends mean well, they really don't have a clue what she's going through. Notht ekind of friends a widow would want to surround herself with. Another book with a similar theme is "Good Grief" by Lolly Winston.
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Statistics at Square Two: Understanding Modern Statistical Applications in Medicine
M. J. Campbell
Manufacturer: BMJ Publishing Group
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Statistics at Square One
ASIN: 0727913948 |
Book Description
A thought-provoking book about the future of bone and joint disorders. This is the Decade of Bone and Joint, a time where rapid developments in our understanding of these disorders contend with massive increases in these chronic conditions throughout the world. By drawing on current knowledge and expertise, the book considers future scenarios such as the development of scientific theories, technology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Customer Reviews:
A quick review.......2001-05-31
This text provides a quick, concise review of the pimary topics covered on emergency medicine exams. I found it to be a good way to prepare for inservice exams and the written boards.
Book Description
Home Planners has taken a new look at the most economical and popular way to get the most from your building dollar. Home Planners has not only included the best of its own ever-expanding design portfolio, but also has selected the cream of the crop from the widest range of award-winning designers ever assembled. From Traditional Farmhouse plans to Contemporary and Luxury designs, the new Two-Story Homes is sure to include the home that best suits your needs.
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- Become a world citizen
- Atlantic Book Review
- Must reading
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Looking for Square Two: Moving from War and Organized Violence to Global Community
Douglas Mattern
Manufacturer: Millennial Mind Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Arms Control
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ASIN: 1589823575 |
Book Description
Looking for Square Two is an insightful, thought-provoking foray into the controversial subject of nuclear disarmament by longtime lecturer and peace activist Douglas Mattern. This intellectual study covers the social, political, and economic ramifications of nuclear warfare and offers some achievable solutions to many frighteningly real conundrums. Mattern offers a point of view that is refreshingly straightforward and human—a realistic answer to today's convoluted political atmosphere.
Customer Reviews:
Become a world citizen.......2007-09-11
We've been living on borrowed time for 24 years. It was in 1983, as Douglas Mattern reports in this book, that a Russian officer named Petrov decided not to act on what later turned out to be a malfunction that reported (incorrectly!) a U.S. nuclear attack. Mattern found there have been at least 19 other such close calls to date. If the time isn't right for nuclear disarmament now, there may not be time tomorrow.
In this book, Mattern shares a lifetime of his courageous peace activities and concerns. The main text is a concise, rivetting 143 pages. He is the President of the Association of World Citizens, advocating we each become a world citizen and participate actively for the good of everyone on this planet. Mattern proposes the United Nations as providing a suitable basis for leading us into world citizenship: this book contains an appendix about the United Nations (its structure, accomplishments and how it might be enhanced).
Mattern covers other dangers besides the nuclear ones to convince us of the need for world citizenry: the ongoing wars, military spending, abuse of weaponry, coporations that maximize profit without consideration of environmental impact and that spread the inequality of wealth as they increasing conrol the laws of nations. The path toward mass consumerism is leading us beyond the planet's limits but no reasonable effort by the corporations is being made toward sustainable economies and sane national politics: it is simply not in their short-term interests. We need to do something about that, for their sake and ours.
You and I can make that difference, Mattern hopes, to the extent we join together as world citizens. Idealistic? The alternatives are frightening but how much longer can we rely on our current leaderships and avoid our own constructive participation? It's a question I ask myself every day and, unfortunately, unpleasant answers are being made for me. As a world citizen in the manner Mattern proposes, there may still be a chance to lessen the damages that our joint apathy has wrought.
Atlantic Book Review.......2006-10-15
Atlantic Book Review by Mike Smith
The bottom line of peace activist Douglas Mattern's Looking for Square Two is simple: get rid of all the nuclear weapons in the world or else! He makes his point clear from the beginning and keeps our interest with stories of close calls. For instance, the most memorable story is that of Stan the Man's, about Soviet Colonel Stanislov Petrov. He was on duty one night in 1983 when the "early warning system" reported that U.S. missiles were on their way to his country.
Mattern tells his story and how we all could have been nuked with the push of a button. Mattern subtly leads up to how our government has gotten progressively more corrupt since the days of Roosevelt and Kennedy. For example, in the first two weeks of the Iraqi War, Mattern reports that the U.S. used more than 3,000 cruise missiles with a price tag of $500,000 each. Near the end of the book, Mattern tells us that cuts in education and HIV/AIDS treatment are on the way in favor of tax cuts for wealthy citizens.
My favorite part of the book was the discussion of weapons in space. Mattern describes huge "Space Rods" that will strike down targets on Earth and destroy them with their speed and weight alone. Other space weapons, including laser, radio frequency, particle beam, and kinetic energy weapons, are currently under development. We're halfway through the book at this point and we can't stop reading because it sounds too much like science fiction, yet we know it's real.
While it can be preachy at times, offers a little too much history in parts, Looking for Square Two is a great book about what will happen if we don't rid the planet of nuclear weapons.
Looking for Square Two by Douglas Mattern
ISBN 1-58982-357-5
$16.95
196 pg
Political Science & Government
Millennial Mind Publishing
© 2006 Atlantic Book Review. Reviewed by Mike Smith.
Must reading.......2006-07-26
This book covers the most critical issues of our time. It is a book that should be read by everyone concerned about the future of our civilization and our own country. Rather than just stating the problems, the author offers realistic solutions to the issues of nuclear weapons, the United Nations, Globalization, and real democracy that is rapidly eroding in the United States. The book is also interesting reading with many stories of the authors experience in peace work and as a senior engineer in Silicon Valley Corporations.
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On to Square Two
Marsha McCloskey
Manufacturer: Martingale & Co Inc
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ASIN: 0943574978 |
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- Five stars
- A balanced review of the Middle Kingdom.
- Excellent read! Insightful look at major historical events.
- terrific - Mike Chinoy has another fan
- Excellent
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China Live: Two Decades in the Heart of the Dragon
Mike Chinoy
Manufacturer: Turner Pub
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1570364044 |
Customer Reviews:
Five stars.......2004-10-13
I have always imagined that foreign correspondents live more exciting lives than the rest of us, so I read Mike Chinoy's "China Live" to see a glimpse of the truth. Upon reading "China Live," I was pleased with to obtain an inspiring and balanced account of the career path of CNN's first Beijing Bureau Chief. As a journalist, Chinoy was crafty, dedicated, and intrepid. As trite as it may sound, his book leaves you with the feeling that you can go on to achieve great things and leave a significant and lasting mark upon the world. It is especially suitable for sinophiles and aspiring journalists, but also recommended for anyone who enjoys to read.
A balanced review of the Middle Kingdom........1999-01-06
Mike Chinoy has done an excellent job of bringing to life a country that many people think they know so much about but in reality know so lillte about. China is a fascinating country. I spent six weeks there two years ago at a central bank conference so I studied the country in great detail. After my return I read Mike Chinoy's book and I feel it is a balanced account of the Middle Kingdom. Chinoy tells of his fascination with the country in the early days of U.S.-Sino relations. He details the changes that take place after the death of Mao Zadong and the economic changes through he leadership of Deng Xiopang. But his best reporting is the riveting account of June 4, 1989. This was Tiananmen Square and the brutal assault of the peaceful demonstrators. Chinoy was in the thick of the assault and he details his experiences not only on the night but also the next few days. All Chinese should read this book. Many Chinese think that the press has embellished what happened that night and that the government needed to restore order. Reading Chinoy's book may lead them to re-assess their governemnt's brutal policies. As a self-appointed Sinologist and one that has read many many articles and books on " Zhong guo" I would highly recommend this book. And some day I might get the opportunity to sit and talk with Mike Chinoy about his experiences in China.
Excellent read! Insightful look at major historical events........1998-09-10
I could not put this book down. Chinoy (a cousin of mine, but that bears no influence in my review) invites you into the past where you find yourself in the midst of major historical events. His writing is filled with sincere emotion, high-spirited wit and a true sense of the human struggle to be free from opression. The book also opens the door to the fast-paced and unpredictable life of the foreign correspondent and how that role in our society has changed and is changing. A truly insightful book that should make its way into high school history classes -- I would have actually stayed awake in class if we had had material like this.
terrific - Mike Chinoy has another fan.......1998-07-02
This is an absolutely delightful book. It makes the perfect gift for anyone interested in Chinese affairs providing remarkable insight. I was devastated to read the irresponsible inaccuracies in China Wakes by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn. Theirs was a China written in the tradition of Ugly Americans who stay at the Palace Hotel for one week complaining about the lack of ice for their Coke. I vowed that I would never ever read another book on China written by American journalists. Luckily, I was given Mike Chinoy's book by a friend. Absolutely brilliant!
Excellent.......1998-06-08
This is one of the better books on China that I've read. I lived in Beijing for two years, and feel that, unlike Kristoff and Dunn in China Wakes, Mike Chinoy really understands China and what makes this most mysterious country tick. And like Jan Wong in Red China Blues, he goes through a transition of being gung-ho on Maoism to seeing the reality of the situation in China. This is one of the things that makes both books so believable. As I am a journalist, I also can appreciate the red tape he went through to get the story out. Chinoy also does an excellent job of describing the Tian'anmen massacre -- one of the better descriptions I've read. I really recommend this book. It's excellent!
Books:
- The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
- The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting and Pruning Techniques
- Top Secret Recipes: Creating Kitchen Clones of America's Favorite Brand-Name Foods (Plume)
- Toppers
- Toy Knits: More Than 30 Irresistible and Easy-to-Knit Patterns
- Ultimate Galactus Vol. 2: Secret
- Upholstery: A Beginners' Guide
- Venice & the East: The Impact of the Islamic World on Venetian Architecture 1100-1500
- Waiting for Wings
- Water Song: A Retelling of "The Frog Prince" (Once Upon a Time)
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