Origin of the Matrix relating to a Science Fictional setting... [more inside]
posted by madmamasmith on Dec 24, 2009 - 19 answers

My mom's a research scientist; I've convinced her to get an Edward Tufte book (partly because she uses Powerpoint a lot). Which one should she get?
posted by Tlogmer on Jul 6, 2007 - 19 answers

When I was a kid, I read a science fiction book. I'd like now to find out what its name was, but, since I didn't read it in English, and it was about 20 years ago, I would have not a clue where to look. [more inside]
posted by bokononito on Sep 22, 2006 - 8 answers

ten-year-old girl, reading at the twelfth grade level, with an abundant interest in the natural sciences. i'm trying to pick good books which blend science, history and cultural perspectives (along the lines of The Great Influenza, Krakatoa and Guns Germs and Steel) that won't be too grown-up for her. despite her reading comprehension and general intelligence, she is just a little girl (with the short attention span of most kids) and one who spends most of her time in rural appalachia. i have asked my children's librarian, but i hope y'all have some suggestions, too.
posted by crush-onastick on Mar 30, 2005 - 43 answers

I just got done reading Ishmael by Daniel Quinn for class. Now, I have to find a book that also deals with nature in the same regard to read (ie, we're destroying it- go fix it! Though it could be how nature is ours to control and we should actually exploit it more). Preferable, though not necessary, for my own pleasure would be something that intertwines religion and science with nature (from a negative or positive standpoint) into the book.
posted by jmd82 on Sep 8, 2004 - 15 answers