Size: how it explains the world - václav smil

'There is no author whose books I look forward to more' Bill GatesThe New York Times bestselling author returns with a mind-opening exploration of how size defines life on Earth.Explaining the key processes shaping size in nature, society and technology, Smil busts myths around proportions - from bodies to paintings and the so-called golden ratio - tells us what Jonathan Swift got wrong in Gulliver's Travels - the giant Brobdingnagian's legs would buckle under their enormous weight - and dives headfirst into the most contentious issue in ergonomics: the size of aeroplane seats.It is no exaggeration to say this fascinating and wide-ranging tour de force will change the way you look at absolutely everything.‘Vaclav Smil is a phenomenon with an appetite for facts over prejudice and fashion. Essential reading for anyone who cares about the future’ Lord Norman Foster (knihydobrovsky.cz)

100 words: The New York Times bestselling author returns with a mind-opening exploration of how size defines life on Earth.Explaining the key processes shaping size in nature, society and technology, Smil busts myths around proportions - from bodies to paintings and the so-called golden ratio - tells us what Jonathan Swift got wrong in Gulliver's Travels - the giant Brobdingnagian's legs would buckle under their enormous weight - and dives headfirst into the most contentious issue in ergonomics: the size of aeroplane seats.It is no exaggeration to say this fascinating and wide-ranging tour de force will change the way you look at absolutely everything.10 words: Size, an omnipresent scalar, is the measure of all things.1 word: Size. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

We have never had so much information at our fingertips and yet most of us don't know how the world really works. This book explains seven of the most fundamental realities governing our survival and prosperity. From energy and food production, through our material world and its globalization, to risks, our environment and its future, How the World Really Works offers a much-needed reality check - because before we can tackle problems effectively, we must understand the facts.In this ambitious and thought-provoking book we see, for example, that globalization isn't inevitable and that our societies have been steadily increasing their dependence on fossil fuels, making their complete and rapid elimination unlikely. Drawing on the latest science and tackling sources of misinformation head on - from Yuval Noah Harari to Noam Chomsky - ultimately Smil answers the most profound question of our age: are we irrevocably doomed or is a brighter utopia ahead? (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Is flying dangerous? How much do the world's cows weigh? And what makes people happy? From earth's nations and inhabitants, through the fuels and foods that energize them, to the transportation and inventions of our modern world - and how all of this affects the planet itself - in Numbers Don't Lie, Professor Vaclav Smil takes us on a fact-finding adventure, using surprising statistics and illuminating graphs to challenge lazy thinking. Packed with 'Well-I-never-knew-that' information and with fascinating and unusual examples throughout, we find out how many people it took to build the Great Pyramid, that vaccination yields the best return on investment, and why electric cars aren't as great as we think (yet). There's a wonderful mix of science, history and wit, all in bite-sized chapters on a broad range of topics. Urgent and essential, Numbers Don't Lie inspires readers to interrogate what they take to be true in these significant times. Smil is on a mission to make facts matter, because after all, numbers may not lie, but which truth do they convey? (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Quantum computing has been hailed as a technological game-changer. But what precisely is it and what is its true potential?In this superbly insightful, one-stop guide WIRED journalist Amit Katwala tells you everything you need to know about the next computer revolution. He explains the highly complex science that lies behind it. He describes the competing efforts of the likes of Google, Microsoft and Chinese companies Tencent and Alibaba to create a viable quantum computer, and the different routes they have taken to meet the immense technical challenges involved. He considers the technology's potential application in spheres as diverse as medicine, cyber security and clean energy. And he addresses the fundamental question: how close are we to seeing quantum computers become a widespread reality. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Is flying dangerous? How much do the world's cows weigh? And what makes people happy? From earth's nations and inhabitants, through the fuels and foods that energize them, to the transportation and inventions of our modern world - and how all of this affects the planet itself - in Numbers Don't Lie, Professor Vaclav Smil takes us on a fact-finding adventure, using surprising statistics and illuminating graphs to challenge lazy thinking. Packed with 'Well-I-never-knew-that' information and with fascinating and unusual examples throughout, we find out how many people it took to build the Great Pyramid, that vaccination yields the best return on investment, and why electric cars aren't as great as we think (yet). There's a wonderful mix of science, history and wit, all in bite-sized chapters on a broad range of topics. Urgent and essential, Numbers Don't Lie inspires readers to interrogate what they take to be true in these significant times. Smil is on a mission to make facts matter, because after all, numbers may not lie, but which truth do they convey? (knihydobrovsky.cz)

A wide-ranging, interdisciplinary look at global changes that may occur over the next fifty years—whether sudden and cataclysmic world-changing events or gradually unfolding trends. Fundamental change occurs most often in one of two ways: as a “fatal discontinuity,” a sudden catastrophic event that is potentially world changing, or as a persistent, gradual trend. Global catastrophes include volcanic eruptions, viral pandemics, wars, and large-scale terrorist attacks; trends are demographic, environmental, economic, and political shifts that unfold over time. In this provocative book, scientist Vaclav Smil takes a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary look at the catastrophes and trends the next fifty years may bring. Smil first looks at rare but cataclysmic events, both natural and human-produced, then at trends of global importance, including the transition from fossil fuels to other energy sources and growing economic and social inequality. He also considers environmental change—in some ways an amalgam of sudden discontinuities and gradual change—and assesses the often misunderstood complexities of global warming. Global Catastrophes and Trends does not come down on the side of either doom-and-gloom scenarios or techno-euphoria. Instead, Smil argues that understanding change will help us reverse negative trends and minimize the risk of catastrophe (knihydobrovsky.cz)

'A fascinating hybrid. Part freewheeling history of the rise of the modern autonomous vehicle, part intimate memoir from an insider who was on the front lines for much of that history, Autonomy will more than bring readers up to speed on one of today's most closely watched technologies' Brian Merchant, author of The One Device From the ultimate insider - a former General Motors executive and current advisor to the Google Self-Driving Car project - comes the definitive story of the race between Google, Tesla and Uber to create the driverless car. We stand on the brink of a technological revolution. In the near future, most of us will not own automobiles, but will travel instead in driverless electric vehicles summoned at the touch of an app. We will be liberated from driving, so that the time we spend in cars can be put to more productive use. We will prevent more than 90 percent of car crashes, provide freedom of mobility to the elderly and disabled and decrease our dependence on fossil fuels. Autonomy tells the story of the maverick engineers and computer experts who triggered the revolution. Lawrence Burns - long-time adviser to the Google self-driving car project (now Waymo) and former corporate vice president of research, development and planning at General Motors - provides the perfectly timed history of how we arrived at this point, in a character-driven and vivid account of the unlikely thinkers who accomplished what billion-dollar automakers never dared. Beginning at a 2004 off-road robot race across the Mojave Desert with a million-dollar purse and continuing up to the current stampede to develop driverless technology, Autonomy is a page-turning chronicle of the past, a diagnosis of the present and a prediction of the future - the ultimate guide to understanding the driverless car and to navigating the revolution it has sparked.show less (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Bez ropy by nebylo globalizace, plastů, běžné přepravy ani světové politické mapy, v níž by se alespoň někdo vyznal. Je to životadárná tekutina moderního světa a zdá se, že ze závislosti na ní se lidstvo ještě hezkých pár desetiletí nevymaní. Autor uznávané Energie v této aktuální knize vysvětluje vše, co s „černým zlatem“ souvisí, od jeho objevení v hlubinách Země až po politické turbulence, které dnes rozpoutává. Kniha Ropa je nabitá fascinujícími fakty a postřehy a je jedinečná jakožto kompilace spousty různých aspektů ropy a jejího příběhu. Tento Smilův vyčerpávající průvodce poskytne řadu témat k debatám pro jakoukoliv sešlost od geologie a ekonomiky až po alternativní zdroje energie, a seznámí čtenáře s vědeckým i politickým zákulisím tohoto nejkontroverznějšího zdroje světa. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Od bakterií po velryby, od atomů po asteroidy. Oceňovaný vědec českého původu Vaclav Smil tentokrát zkoumá, proč rozměry nejsou náhodné a jak ovlivňují svět. Má dvakrát větší člověk dvakrát více krve? Čím se vyznačují hezké tváře? Má každý růst své meze? Kde všude najdeme zlatý řez? A co ergonomický oříšek: velikost sedadel v letadle? Nečekané odpovědi na otázky všedního i planetárního významu vás ohromí i pobaví zároveň. Fascinující publikace od základů změní, jak se díváte na vše kolem sebe! (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Podle Einsteinovy slavné rovnice E=mc2 lze veškerou hmotu přeměnit v energii. Je všude a je vším. V tomto hodnotném zasvěcení do tématu uznávaný odborník Vaclav Smil vysvětluje její klíčovou roli ve vývoji jak naší planety, tak moderní společnosti. Počínaje jejími zdroji a využitím až po její toky a konverze Smil mapuje kritický význam energie pro: - Vnitřní procesy lidského těla - Biosféru planety země a obnovitelné zdroje - Globální oteplování a jeho prevenci V popisu mimo jiné i politicky motivovaného závodu o účinnější a ekologičtější paliva autor rovněž odhaluje dopady našich každodenních rozhodnutí na spotřebu energie. Svým komplexním přístupem a praktickými postřehy tento stravitelně podávaný průvodce ukazuje, jak je každý aspekt naší existence ovládán jedním z nejdůležitějších konceptů našeho vesmíru. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Bez ropy by nebylo globalizace, plastů, běžné přepravy ani současné světové politické mapy. Je to životadárná tekutina moderního světa a zdá se, že ze závislosti na ní se lidstvo jen tak nevymaní. Smilův vyčerpávající průvodce seznamuje čtenáře s vědeckým i politickým zákulisím tohoto nejkontroverznějšího zdroje světa a prezentuje řadu mezioborových souvislostí potřebných k pochopení komplexního globálního ropného systému. (vemzu.cz)

Od bakterií po velryby, od atomů po asteroidy. Oceňovaný vědec českého původu Vaclav Smil tentokrát zkoumá, proč rozměry nejsou náhodné a jak ovlivňují svět. Má dvakrát větší člověk dvakrát více krve? Čím se vyznačují hezké tváře? Má každý růst své meze? Kde všude najdeme zlatý řez? A co ergonomický oříšek: velikost sedadel v letadle? Nečekané odpovědi na otázky všedního i planetárního významu vás ohromí i pobaví zároveň. Fascinující publikace od základů změní, jak se díváte na vše kolem sebe! (vemzu.cz)

Jakou pravdu čísla sdělují? A jak je interpretovat? Celosvětově uznávaný kanadský vědec českého původu Vaclav Smil nás ve své knize bere na faktografickou výpravu za poznáním, na níž pomocí překvapivých statistik a názorných grafů zpochybňuje naše mnohdy pohodlné myšlení a vyvrací novodobé mýty o tom, jak svět funguje. 71 tematických kapitol přináší kromě nových informací a fascinujících příkladů z energetiky, dopravy či ekologie také odpovědi na otázky typu: Proč elektrická auta zatím nejsou šetrná k životnímu prostředí? Proč je těžké předpovědět, jak zlá bude probíhající pandemie? A jak lidstvo a vynálezy moderního světa ovlivňují život na naší planetě? (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Demografie, zemědělství, energie a hospodářství – to jsou čtyři „velké civilizační přechody“, jež zcela proměnily náš způsob života. Ačkoli jimi mnoho společností prošlo, na Zemi stále žijí stovky milionů lidí, kteří jsou tímto vývojem nedotčeni. Co to pro planetu znamená a kam tato nerovnováha lidstvo v blízké budoucnosti zavede? Mezinárodně uznávaný vědec Václav Smil představuje největší výzvy současnosti, které už nyní formují podobu našeho světa. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Celosvětově uznávaný kanadský vědec českého původu nás ve své knize bere na faktografickou výpravu za poznáním. 71 tematických kapitol přináší kromě nových informací a fascinujících příkladů z energetiky, dopravy či ekologie také odpovědi na otázky typu: Proč elektrická auta zatím nejsou šetrná k životnímu prostředí? Proč je těžké předpovědět, jak zlá bude probíhající pandemie? A jak lidstvo a vynálezy moderního světa ovlivňují život na naší planetě? (vemzu.cz)

I know of no one better qualified to understand what young people are facing today - Philippa PerryLouis cares deeply about children and the world they are growing up in. In this book, he provides a brilliant, nurturing, much needed voice to children and anyone who cares about children - Jessie WareIn this book, rich in edifying insight and illuminating case examples, Louis Weinstock confronts us with uncomfortable truths and guides us towards creating a world that is comfortable for our children and supports their healthy development - Gabor MatéHow can we raise children in a world that appears to have gone so wrong?We all want our children to grow up in a world where they feel safe, and where people are kind to each other and the planet. But when we hear about climate change, a mental health crisis, war, it's hard not to worry about the future and how they will cope. Drawing on over 20 years of helping children and families, psychotherapist Louis Weinstock is here to help. Combining case studies, playful meditations and simple exercises with life-changing insights from history, science, psychology and anthropology, this is a parenting book like no other.Whether your child is struggling with mental health issues already, or you want to build their capacity to handle change and uncertainty, this book is a safe place to catch your breath and develop the skills to help your child through life's challenges.You will discover ways to find peace in the middle of chaos, bring deeper levels of love and healing to the troubled parts of your child (and yourself) and find hope when things feel hopeless. Most importantly, you will see that inside of you there is strength, wisdom and beauty, and no matter what is going on in this mad world, you can guide your child towards a more beautiful tomorrow. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

eBook:,Kniha nabitá fascinujícími fakty a postřehy o „černém zlatu“, jež hýbe světovou mocenskou scénou Bez ropy by nebylo globalizace, plastů, běžné přepravy ani současné světové politické mapy. Je to životadárná tekutina moderního světa a zdá se, že ze závislosti na ní se lidstvo jen tak nevymaní. Smilův vyčerpávající průvodce seznamuje čtenáře s vědeckým i politickým zákulisím tohoto nejkontroverznějšího zdroje světa a prezentuje řadu mezioborových souvislostí potřebných k pochopení komplexního globálního ropného systému. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Audiokniha: Celosvětově uznávaný kanadský vědec českého původu nás ve své knize bere na faktografickou výpravu za poznáním. 71 tematických kapitol přináší kromě nových informací a fascinujících příkladů z energetiky, dopravy či ekologie také odpovědi na otázky typu: Proč elektrická auta zatím nejsou šetrná k životnímu prostředí? Proč je těžké předpovědět, jak zlá bude probíhající pandemie? A jak lidstvo a vynálezy moderního světa ovlivňují život na naší planetě? (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Kniha - autor Stephen Greenblatt, 356 stran, anglicky, brožovaná bez přebalu matná One of the world's most celebrated scholars, Greenblatt has crafted both an innovative work of history and a thrilling story of discovery, in which one manuscript, plucked from a thousand years of neglect, changed the course of human thought and made possible the world as we know it. (alza.cz)

eBook: Demografie, zemědělství, energie a hospodářství – to jsou čtyři „velké civilizační přechody“, jež zcela proměnily náš způsob života. Ačkoli jimi mnoho společností prošlo, na Zemi stále žijí stovky milionů lidí, kteří jsou tímto vývojem nedotčeni. Co to pro planetu znamená a kam tato nerovnováha lidstvo v blízké budoucnosti zavede? Mezinárodně uznávaný vědec Václav Smil představuje největší výzvy současnosti, které už nyní formují podobu našeho světa. Vaclav Smil tentokrát předkládá interdisciplinární zkoumání pěti fundamentálních přechodů, jejichž vzájemné působení vytvořilo moderní svět. Zaměřuje se na historii těchto přechodů v oblasti populace, zemědělství, energie, hospodářství a životního prostředí a zkoumá jejich původ, jakož i faktory, jež je umožnily a přispěly k jejich rozmachu. Zabývá se jejich pokrokem, postupy a rozptýlením a popisuji jejich trajektorie, interakce a důsledky. Zkoumá, jak jsme se dostali do tohoto bodu lidské evoluce a jak se z velkých přechodů zrodila dnešní každodenní realita. Realita, která se tak dalece vymyká tomu, co jsme si byli schopni včera představit, ale na jejíž výhody dosud nedosáhly miliardy lidí v méně rozvinutých společnostech, a to i přesto, že pokrok, k němuž jsme již dospěli, ohrožuje integritu biosféry. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

eBook: Čísla nelžou. Ale jakou pravdu sdělují? Celosvětově uznávaný kanadský vědec českého původu nás ve své knize bere na faktografickou výpravu za poznáním. 71 tematických kapitol přináší kromě nových informací a fascinujících příkladů z energetiky, dopravy či ekologie také odpovědi na otázky typu: Proč elektrická auta zatím nejsou šetrná k životnímu prostředí? Proč je těžké předpovědět, jak zlá bude probíhající pandemie? A jak lidstvo a vynálezy moderního světa ovlivňují život na naší planetě? (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Lidstvo ještě nikdy ve své historii nemělo tolik informací, přesto si jen málokdo uvědomuje, jak svět ve skutečnosti funguje. Oceňovaný vědec českého původu Vaclav Smil popisuje a objasňuje složité procesy s neuvěřitelnou lehkostí. Zabývá se sedmi základními principy moderní společnosti, počínaje energiemi přes globalizaci až po výzvy čekající v budoucnosti. Abychom mohli začít řešit problémy, musíme nejdříve pochopit základní fakta. S touto fascinující publikací to bude mnohem snazší. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Economics has the power to make the world a better, happier and safer place: this book shows you howOur world is in a mess. The challenges of climate change, inequality, hunger and a global pandemic mean our way of life seems more imperilled and society more divided than ever; but economics can help!From parenting to organ donation, housing to anti-social behaviour, economics provides the tools we need to fix the biggest issues of today. Far from being a means to predict the stock market or enrich the elite, economics provides a lens through which we can better understand how things work, design clever solutions and create the conditions in which we can all flourish.With a healthy dose of optimism, and packed with stories of economics in everyday situations, Erik Angner demonstrates the methods he and his fellow economists use to help improve our lives and the society in which we live. He shows us that economics can be a powerful force for good, awakening the possibility of a happier, more just and more sustainable world. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Kniha - autor Adam Grant, 336 stran, anglicky, brožovaná bez přebalu matná “Originals is one of the most important and captivating books I have ever read, full of surprising and powerful ideas. It will not only change the way you see the world; it might just change the way you live your life. And it could very well inspire you to change your world.”? Sheryl Sandberg, bestselling author of Lean InThe New York Times bestselling author examines how people can drive creative, moral, and organisational progress?and how leaders can encourage originality in their organisations.How can we originate new ideas, policies and practices without risking it all? Adam Grant shows how to improve the world by championing novel ideas and values that go against the grain, battling conformity, and bucking outdated traditions. Using surprising studies and stories spanning business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without... (alza.cz)

From bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris - a nugget of wisdom in the phenomenal Ladybirds for Grown Ups series. This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. Also available: How it Works: The Husband How it Works: The Wife How it Works: The Mum The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis The Ladybird Book of the Hangover The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness The Ladybird Book of the Shed The Ladybird Book of Dating The Ladybird Book of the Hipster (knihydobrovsky.cz)

From bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris - a nugget of wisdom in the phenomenal Ladybirds for Grown Ups series. This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. Also available: How it Works: The Husband How it Works: The Wife How it Works: The Mum The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis The Ladybird Book of the Hangover The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness The Ladybird Book of the Shed The Ladybird Book of Dating The Ladybird Book of the Hipster (knihydobrovsky.cz)

A HILARIOUS, BRAND NEW BOOK IN THE PHENOMENAL LADYBIRDS FOR GROWN UPS SERIES, FOR AUTUMN 2016* How it Works: The Student - a nugget of wisdom from bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris. This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. Other new titles for Autumn 2016: How it Works: The Cat How it Works: The Dog How it Works: The Grandparent The Ladybird Book of the Meeting The Ladybird Book of Red Tape The Ladybird Book of the People Next Door The Ladybird Book of the Sickie The Ladybird Book of the Zombie Apocalypse Previous titles in the Ladybirds for Grown Ups series: How it Works: The Husband How it Works: The Wife How it Works: The Mum How it Works: The Dad The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis The Ladybird Book of the Hangover The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness The Ladybird Book of the Shed The Ladybird Book of Dating The Ladybird Book of the Hipste (knihydobrovsky.cz)

This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them.The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

eBook: Od bakterií po velryby, od atomů po asteroidy. Oceňovaný vědec českého původu Vaclav Smil tentokrát zkoumá, proč rozměry nejsou náhodné a jak ovlivňují svět. Má dvakrát větší člověk dvakrát více krve? Čím se vyznačují hezké tváře? Má každý růst své meze? Kde všude najdeme zlatý řez? A co ergonomický oříšek: velikost sedadel v letadle? Nečekané odpovědi na otázky všedního i planetárního významu vás ohromí i pobaví zároveň. Fascinující publikace od základů změní, jak se díváte na vše kolem sebe! (knihydobrovsky.cz)

World acclaimed scientist Vaclav Smil reveals everything there is to know about nature's most sought-after resourceOil is the lifeblood of the modern world. Without it, there would be no planes, no plastic, no exotic produce, and a global political landscape few would recognise. Humanity’s dependence upon oil looks set to continue for decades to come, but what is it?Fully updated and packed with fascinating facts to fuel dinner party debate, Professor Vaclav Smil's Oil: A Beginner's Guide explains all matters related to the ‘black stuff’, from its discovery in the earth right through to the controversy that surrounds it today. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Energy is the only universal currency; it is necessary for getting anything done. The conversion of energy on Earth ranges from terra-forming forces of plate tectonics to cumulative erosive effects of raindrops. Life on Earth depends on the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into plant biomass. Humans have come to rely on many more energy flows―ranging from fossil fuels to photovoltaic generation of electricity―for their civilized existence. In this monumental history, Vaclav Smil provides a comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel–driven civilization. Humans are the only species that can systematically harness energies outside their bodies, using the power of their intellect and an enormous variety of artifacts―from the simplest tools to internal combustion engines and nuclear reactors. The epochal transition to fossil fuels affected everything: agriculture, industry, transportation, weapons, communication, economics, urbanization, quality of life, politics, and the environment. Smil describes humanity's energy eras in panoramic and interdisciplinary fashion, offering readers a magisterial overview. This book is an extensively updated and expanded version of Smil's Energy in World History (1994). Smil has incorporated an enormous amount of new material, reflecting the dramatic developments in energy studies over the last two decades and his own research over that time. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Learn how to recognise and resist the daily attempts to control and manipulate your mind. There is a war on for your mind. You may not notice, but you are surrounded by manipulators: advertisers, politicians, big tech, even the humble waiter who asks, ‘Still or sparkling?’ Free Your Mind is your field manual to surviving the information battlefield.In this indispensable book, Laura Dodsworth and Patrick Fagan draw on interviews with mind-control experts ranging from monks to magicians, infiltrate cults and forums to uncover their most deceptive techniques and expose the hidden tactics used to influence you, from social media to subliminal messages. Learn how to recognise the nudges, dispel efforts to brainwash you and always question those who say the choice is yours. If you don’t control your mind, someone else will. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

From bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris - a nugget of wisdom in the phenomenal Ladybirds for Grown Ups series. This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. Also available: How it Works: The Husband How it Works: The Wife How it Works: The Mum The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis The Ladybird Book of the Hangover The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness The Ladybird Book of the Shed The Ladybird Book of Dating The Ladybird Book of the Hipster (knihydobrovsky.cz)

A HILARIOUS, BRAND NEW BOOK IN THE PHENOMENAL LADYBIRDS FOR GROWN UPS SERIES, FOR AUTUMN 2016* How it Works: The Dog - a nugget of wisdom from bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris. This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. Other new titles for Autumn 2016: How it Works: The Student How it Works: The Cat How it Works: The Grandparent The Ladybird Book of the Meeting The Ladybird Book of Red Tape The Ladybird Book of the People Next Door The Ladybird Book of the Sickie The Ladybird Book of the Zombie Apocalypse Previous titles in the Ladybirds for Grown Ups series: How it Works: The Husband How it Works: The Wife How it Works: The Mum How it Works: The Dad The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis The Ladybird Book of the Hangover The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness The Ladybird Book of the Shed The Ladybird Book of Dating The Ladybird Book of the Hipster (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Energy is the only universal currency; it is necessary for getting anything done. The conversion of energy on Earth ranges from terra-forming forces of plate tectonics to cumulative erosive effects of raindrops. Life on Earth depends on the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into plant biomass. Humans have come to rely on many more energy flows―ranging from fossil fuels to photovoltaic generation of electricity―for their civilized existence. In this monumental history, Vaclav Smil provides a comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel–driven civilization. Humans are the only species that can systematically harness energies outside their bodies, using the power of their intellect and an enormous variety of artifacts―from the simplest tools to internal combustion engines and nuclear reactors. The epochal transition to fossil fuels affected everything: agriculture, industry, transportation, weapons, communication, economics, urbanization, quality of life, politics, and the environment. Smil describes humanity's energy eras in panoramic and interdisciplinary fashion, offering readers a magisterial overview. This book is an extensively updated and expanded version of Smil's Energy in World History (1994). Smil has incorporated an enormous amount of new material, reflecting the dramatic developments in energy studies over the last two decades and his own research over that time. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

eBook: Lidstvo ještě nikdy ve své historii nemělo tolik informací, přesto si jen málokdo uvědomuje, jak svět ve skutečnosti funguje. Oceňovaný vědec českého původu Vaclav Smil popisuje a objasňuje složité procesy s neuvěřitelnou lehkostí. Zabývá se sedmi základními principy moderní společnosti, počínaje energiemi přes globalizaci až po výzvy čekající v budoucnosti. Abychom mohli začít řešit problémy, musíme nejdříve pochopit základní fakta. S touto fascinující publikací to bude mnohem snazší. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

The risks of global warming are real, and potentially vast. The difficulty of doing without fossil fuels is daunting, and possibly insurmountable. So there is an urgent need for new thinking on climate change. To meet that need, a small but increasingly influential group of scientists is exploring proposals for planned human intervention in the climate system. A stratospheric veil against the sun; the cultivation of photosynthetic plankton; a fleet of unmanned ships seeding clouds: these are the radical technologies of climate geoengineering. It is chilling to think of such power, and such scope for misadventure or malice, in humans hands. And yet we are now at the point where we have no choice but to take them very seriously indeed. The Planet Remade explores the science, history and politics behind these strategies. It looks at who might want to see geoengineering put to use - and why others would be dead set against it. In the last two centuries, changes to the planet - to the clouds and soils, to the winds and the seas, to the great cycles of nitrogen and carbon - have been far more profound than most of us realize.Appreciating the scale of that change compels us to rethink not just our responses to global warming, but our relationship to nature. With sensitivity, insight and expert science, Oliver Morton unpicks the moral implications of climate change, our fear that people have become a force of nature, and what it might mean to try and use that force for good. The Planet Remade is about imagining a world where people take care instead of taking control. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

A visual and cultural history of hip hop, charting its meteoric rise from underground trailblazer to global tastemaker To tell the story of contemporary American culture is to tell the story of hip hop. From its humble, underground origins, hip hop transcended the confines of rap music and spread its influence across a broad spectrum of American life – fashion, film, art, sports, politics, language – to become a cultural movement of profound influence. Rapper’s Deluxe is a critical contribution to America’s cultural canon, shining a light on hip hop’s ability to redefine and influence culture, through: photographs; fine art; advertisements; book, magazine, and album covers; film stills; and more. Organized chronologically from the 1970s to the present, image-rich and dynamic layouts show the people, places, events, objects, outfits, and inspirations that redefined the world as we know it – from fur-coated fans lining up for a Muhammad Ali fight at Madison Square Garden to a legendary party in the “Boogie Down” Bronx, through the hoods of South Los Angeles and the trap houses of Atlanta to the extravagant red carpet looks of the Met Gala. Drawing on a broad range of curated examples, Dr. Todd Boyd re-examines hip hop’s legacy and how the genre remixes ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture, past and present, to come up with a style that is uniquely its own. Filled with original insights and clever wordplay, Rapper’s Deluxe is a tale of transformation, following hip hop’s arduous, but always triumphant, journey as it rose up to dominate the game. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Kniha - autor Julian Baggini, 432 stran, anglicky, brožovaná bez přebalu matná In this groundbreaking global overview of philosophy, Julian Baggini travels the world to provide a wide-ranging map of human thought. One of the great unexplained wonders of human history is that written philosophy flowered entirely separately in China, India and Ancient Greece at more or less the same time. These early philosophies have had a profound impact on the development of distinctive cultures in different parts of the world. What we call 'philosophy' in the West is not even half the story. Julian Baggini sets out to expand our horizons in How the World Thinks, exploring the philosophies of Japan, India, China and the Muslim world, as well as the lesser-known oral traditions of Africa and Australia's first peoples. Interviewing thinkers from around the globe, Baggini asks questions such as: why is the West is more individualistic than the East? What makes secularism a less... (alza.cz)

The risks of global warming are real, and potentially vast. The difficulty of doing without fossil fuels is daunting, and possibly insurmountable. So there is an urgent need for new thinking on climate change. To meet that need, a small but increasingly influential group of scientists is exploring proposals for planned human intervention in the climate system. A stratospheric veil against the sun; the cultivation of photosynthetic plankton; a fleet of unmanned ships seeding clouds: these are the radical technologies of climate geoengineering. It is chilling to think of such power, and such scope for misadventure or malice, in humans hands. And yet we are now at the point where we have no choice but to take them very seriously indeed. The Planet Remade explores the science, history and politics behind these strategies. It looks at who might want to see geoengineering put to use - and why others would be dead set against it. In the last two centuries, changes to the planet - to the clouds and soils, to the winds and the seas, to the great cycles of nitrogen and carbon - have been far more profound than most of us realize.Appreciating the scale of that change compels us to rethink not just our responses to global warming, but our relationship to nature. With sensitivity, insight and expert science, Oliver Morton unpicks the moral implications of climate change, our fear that people have become a force of nature, and what it might mean to try and use that force for good. The Planet Remade is about imagining a world where people take care instead of taking control. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

'A fascinating exposé of the world behind your screen. Timely, often disturbing, and so important' Caroline Criado Perez, author of Invisible Women 'Takes us beyond Zuckerberg, Bezos et al to a murkier world where we discover how everything online works and who benefits from it. Fascinating, engaging and important' Observer 'Could not be more timely' Spectator The internet is a network of physical cables and connections, a web of wires enmeshing the world, linking huge data centres to one another and eventually to us. All are owned by someone, financed by someone, regulated by someone. We refer to the internet as abstract from reality. By doing so, we obscure where the real power lies. In this powerful and necessary book, James Ball sets out on a global journey into the inner workings of the system. From the computer scientists to the cable guys, the billionaire investors to the ad men, the intelligence agencies to the regulators, these are the real-life figures powering the internet and pulling the strings of our society. Ball brilliantly shows how an invention once hailed as a democratising force has concentrated power in places it already existed – that the system, in other words, remains the same as it did before. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

A first-ever children's visual reference book on age - and a unique celebration of the diversity of humankind around the globeFor young children, the concept of age is abstract when they don't have a relatable context... until now! This book showcases the faces and life stories of 100 people from around the world in numerical order, from a one-year-old to a centenarian, giving children a reference point for each age. Striking close-up black-and-white portraits are paired with read-aloud text that shares personal experiences, wishes, memories, and emotions, leaving readers with an appreciation and understanding of the ageing process.Ages 4-8 (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Take a visual journey through the world of music and learn the science behind it, too.Budding music fans will love discovering musical geniuses of every era, from Mozart and classical music to Bowie and pop, as well as finding out how music is created and what links it all together.The book looks at music throughout history, beginning with the first known melody from the Fertile Crescent and covering modern music phenomena, from K Pop to hip-hop. Instruments and genres from across the world are featured, with "playlists" of key pieces encouraging kids to look up pieces to hear for themselves. STEAM spreads delve into the psychology and math behind music, from how it affects our mood to how it can improve our minds.Covering India's Ragas, Indonesia's Gamelan, Japan's city pop, and more, this book will help children discover a love of music. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Follow the owl professor as he takes two children on a tour of a body. But not just any human body - a gigantic factory building built to explain how real bodies work, from cell 'building blocks' to conveyor belts that carry life-giving energy packets and transport defenders to repel germ attacks! This beautifully illustrated book will open children's eyes to the wonder and weirdness of what's going on inside them. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Kniha - autor Michael Pye, 400 stran, anglicky, brožovaná bez přebalu matná Bestselling historian Michael Pye tells how the North Sea transformed Northern Europe from a barbaric outpost to the centre of everything, building the world as we know it. Brimming with rollicking adventures, vivid characters and witty observations. Now in paperback. (alza.cz)

*From the author of the multi-million bestselling Sapiens comes an incredible new story of the human race, for younger readers.*We humans aren't strong like lions, we don't swim as well as dolphins, and we definitely don't have wings! So how did we end up ruling the world?The answer to that is one of the strangest tales you'll ever hear. And it's a true story . .. Have you ever wondered how we got here? From hunting mammoths, to flying to the moon?It is because we are unstoppable. But what made us so? Well, we have the most amazing superpower: the ability to tell stories.Fairy tales have led us from imagining ghosts and spirits to being able to create money (yes, really!). And this has made us very powerful . .. but very deadly. Nothing stands in our way, and we always want more.So get ready for the most amazing story there ever was - the incredible true tale of the Unstoppables. Find out how fire shrank our stomachs, how our ancestors spoke to animals, what football can tell us about being human, how we used our superpower for good and bad . .. and how YOU have the superpower to change the world. With full-colour illustrations showing the relentless rise and rise of the human race, this is history like you've never experienced it before. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

From world-renowned historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari, the New York Times bestselling author of Sapiens, comes an exciting, brand-new illustrated book for middle-grade readers that looks at the early history of humankind.Even though we’ll never outrun a hungry lion or outswim an angry shark, humans are pretty impressive—and we’re the most dominant species on the planet. So how exactly did we become “unstoppable”?The answer to that is one of the strangest tales you’ll ever hear. And it’s a true story.From learning to make fire and using the stars as guides to cooking meals in microwaves and landing on the moon, prepare to uncover the secrets and superpowers of how we evolved from our first appearances millions of years ago.Acclaimed author Yuval Noah Harari has expertly crafted an extraordinary story of how humans learned to not only survive but also thrive on Earth, complete with maps, a timeline, and full-color illustrations that bring his dynamic, unputdownable writing to life. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Open your mind, heal your relationships, and connect across divides with this groundbreaking guide to deep curiosity from internationally-recognized curiosity expert, Scott Shigeoka.At a time when tensions over race, religion, gender identity and more have fractured our lives and relationships, curiosity is the key to fostering connection, growth, and healing.Seek will help you build the courage to be transformed by the people, places and experiences you encounter – unlocking deep curiosity, and strengthening this fundamental human skill.Using Shigeoka's transformative four-step framework, you will enhance your capacity to:Detach: Let go of your ABCs (Assumptions, Biases, Certainty)Intend: Prepare your mindset and environmentValue: See the dignity of every person – including yourself!Embrace: Welcome the hard times in life as a catalyst for connection and transformationA must-read for our times, this book will help you to shift your perspective, understand differences and lead a more curious life. (knihydobrovsky.cz)

Kniha - 704 stran, anglicky, brožovaná bez přebalu matná (alza.cz)