The author starts out in this book with various chapters pertaining to “Things That Don’t Make Sense”. His opening salvo says that “it’s only the things that don’t make sense, that matter”.
Here are some of the chapter headings that include:
1 – The “Missing Universe”. We can only account for about 4% of the cosmos at this time. What is dark energy?
2 – the “Pioneering Anomaly”. Two pioneering spacecraft programs (Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11) are still drifting further and further towards the edges of our universe. They are slightly drifting off course (only about 8000 miles per year) but nonetheless, they are challenging Einstein’s and Newton’s “universal theories of gravity”. What is causing the slightly off the mark journey of these two spacecraft. No one knows.
3 – “Variable Constants”. The destabilizing our view of the universe. Trying to understand what gravity comes from, and how it works.
4 – “ColdFusion”. Nuclear energy without the drama.
5 – “Life”. Are we more than just a bag of chemicals?
6 – “Viking”. NASA scientists found evidence of life on Mars, then they changed their mind.
7 – The “Wow” Signal. Has ET already been in touch?
8 – A “Giant Virus”. It is a freak that could rewrite the story of life.
9 – “Death”. Evolution’s problem of self-destruction.
10 – “Sex”. There are better ways to reproduce.
11 – “Free Will”. Your decisions are not your own.
12 – The “Placebo Effect”. Who’s being deceived?
13 – “Homeopathy”. It is patently absurd, why won’t it go away?
Conclusion and book summary:
As the author, Michael Brooks, states at the beginning of this book, it is the “things that don’t make sense, that are really the only things that matter”. Here in this book, the author goes over 13 things that are yet to be fully, or mostly, explained, and therefore, remain a great mystery to all of us. If you have “even the least bit of” scientific curiosity, this will be a great book for you.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
