Author: Peter Ulmschneider File Type: pdf This book examines the origins, development and fate of intelligent species in the observable part of our universe. It scrutinizes what kind of information about extraterrestrial intelligent life can be inferred from our own biological, cultural and scientific evolution and the likely future of mankind. There is emphasis on the geological conditions and consequences of lifes conquest of land as the pre-condition for the emergence of life with our type of technical intelligence.ReviewFrom the reviews [...] A more detailed and well-referenced approach is Intelligent Life in the Universe by Peter Ulmschneider. He concentrates on planet formation and the characteristics needed for the development of life, the timetable of evolution, and the effects on our planet and others of life becoming intelligent. A lecturer could build an intriguing general science module around this book. (New Scientist, March 22, 2003) New in this book is the argument that, by thinking carefully about the future development of mankind, one can gain insight into the nature of extraterrestrial civilizations. [...] An interesting book for what concerns the scientific chapters, and also the speculative part will definitely interest a great number of readers. (Physicalia, 254, 2003) It is hardly surprising that the area of astrobiology already has two mainstream journals and a steady series of textbooks ranging from introductory to highly specialist. It is to this latter genre, pleasingly situated in the mid-range of technical but understandable, that we welcome Peter Ulmschneiders intelligent and succinct contribution. [...] Whether or not one shares Ulmschneiders optimistic view of our future and place in the cosmic realm, he is to be congratulated both on producing an excellent synthesis but also touching on potential philosophial and ethic points which may well assume a degree of urgency sooner than any of us expected. (Simon Conway Morris, Geological Magazine 2005, 142, page 135-136) The book addresses the reader through three main topics planets, life, and intelligence. In conclusion, Intelligent life in the Universe is a nice monographic presentation of the cosmic vision of life. Certainly the book is a pleasant reading not only for scientists but also for a broad audience of non specialised readers. (Societa Italiana di Fisica, Vol. 28C (1), 2005) From the reviews of the second edition This edition updates the field with the addition of an entire section devoted to Earth, in which the author discusses plate tectonics and continental formation, and expanded sections on the conquest of land by plants and animals. The material has been updated to include new work on astronomical exploration, and rearranged to accommodate the expansions. The new edition is worth adding to any collection . Summing Up Recommended. All levels. (P. R. Douville, CHOICE, Vol. 44 (10), June, 2007) From the Back CoverThis book addresses the possible origins, development and fate of intelligent life in the universe. The author presents a wide-ranging analysis of the type of knowldege that can be inferred about extraterrestial intelligent societies from our own biological, cultural and scientific evolution, and from the likely future of mankind. Providing extensive background information from astronomy, geology, chemistry and biology, the book will appeal to both the scientist and the general reader. In this second edition of Peter Ulmschneiders successful and highly interesting book the author is putting even stronger emphasis on the geological conditions and consequences of lifes conquest of land as the pre-condition for the emergence of life with our type of technical intelligence.

Author: Joe Brandesky File Type: pdf This stimulating compilation of essays and images reveals an essential and valuable component of Czech contributions to the world of modern theatre heretofore largely unseen outside the country itself. Featuring the craft of twenty-seven of the best stage and costume designers of the twentieth century, Joe Brandesky supplies ample evidence of their consistently high quality and dynamic creativity, survival skills for a people whose national identity had been dismantled during many years of occupation and repression. Essays by Vera Ptackova, Dennis Christilles, Delbert Unruh, and, Marie Zdenkova their full texts restored and reedited for this volume since their initial publication in exhibit catalogs, provide historical and linguistic insights into contemporary Czech scenography as well as comparisons to the major art movements affecting the designers. Brandeskys informative introductory essay contextualizes the shifting tenets of Czech theatre design. Also included are biographies of the designers, a bibliography, and thirty black-and-white photographs. The accompanying CD provides access to the vibrant and sophisticated images of the Czech theatrical world 138 richly colorful paintings and drawings of costumes, models, and set designs and in situ photos of exhibited designs plus 27 color and black-and-white photos of the designers. The CD also includes the full text of the book with links to all the art and to the designers biographies. Book and CD together showcase the Czech Republic as a center of international stage design.ReviewCzech Theatre Design in the Twentieth Centurywill be highly inspiring to anyone who enjoys theatre at its most imaginative, a theatre where generations of scenic artists discovered a world in which not only can the actor live the role, but where the space comes alive as is if in a strange, grotesque dream.Theatre Design & TechnologyAbout the AuthorJoe Brandesky is professor of theatre at Ohio State UniversityLima. Most of his professional career has been devoted to bringing visually expressive examples of Russian and East European theatre to the attention of American audiences. In 2000 he co-created and edited the catalog for the U.S. exhibit Metaphor and Irony Czech Scenic and Costume Design 19201999, and in 2004 he produced the exhibit Metaphor and Irony 2 Frantisek Troster and Contemporary Czech Theatre Design and co-created and edited its catalog.