Best of
Geek

2010

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog: The Book


Joss Whedon - 2010
    and pluck up the courage to speak to his laundromat crush Penny. With exclusive new material from Joss and the production team, new photos, sheet music and more, this official book is a must for fans!

The Splendid Magic of Penny Arcade


Jerry Holkins - 2010
    The comic appears to catalog the lives of two young men who are utterly steeped in popular culture.Each chapter gathers into a coherent beam of savory trivia, strange facts, formerly mysterious origins, biographical information, interviews, inaugural conventions, an unlikely charity, and comic strips. You get the sense that some of the content may be apocryphal—for example, the part where they eat a whole wolf basically comes out of nowhere. Also, if one of them really did become “King of the Britons,” you’re sure you would have heard about it somewhere else. > close book You close the book and place it back on the shelf. Maybe next time.

Star Trek 365: The Original Series


Paula M. Block - 2010
    A visual celebration of the original voyages of the Starship Enterprise, the book covers the entire series in unprecedented detail, combining in-depth commentary, behind-the-scenes histories, and interviews with writers, cast, and crew with synopses for each of the series' 79 episodes. In addition to a wealth of never-before-seen images and newly commissioned photography, Star Trek 365 presents a treasure trove of remastered stills from the CBS archives, bringing to vivid life the famous five-year mission of Captain Kirk, Mister Spock, Doctor McCoy, and countless other characters for longtime and new fans alike.Praise for Star Trek: The Original Series 365: "Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about the original Star Trek series and figured you'd seen every single production still and behind-the-scenes photograph, along comes this new book from veteran Treksperts Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann and the good folks at ABRAMS Publishing. It's bursting with in-depth commentary, episode synopses, newly conducted interviews and more, with a treasure trove of remastered stills from the CBS archives making it a truly out-of-this-world addition to any bookshelf or coffee table." -Star Trek.com

The D Programming Language


Andrei Alexandrescu - 2010
    I'm sure you'll find the read rewarding." --From the Foreword by Scott Meyers D is a programming language built to help programmers address the challenges of modern software development. It does so by fostering modules interconnected through precise interfaces, a federation of tightly integrated programming paradigms, language-enforced thread isolation, modular type safety, an efficient memory model, and more. The D Programming Language is an authoritative and comprehensive introduction to D. Reflecting the author's signature style, the writing is casual and conversational, but never at the expense of focus and pre-cision. It covers all aspects of the language (such as expressions, statements, types, functions, contracts, and modules), but it is much more than an enumeration of features. Inside the book you will find In-depth explanations, with idiomatic examples, for all language features How feature groups support major programming paradigms Rationale and best-use advice for each major feature Discussion of cross-cutting issues, such as error handling, contract programming, and concurrency Tables, figures, and "cheat sheets" that serve as a handy quick reference for day-to-day problem solving with D Written for the working programmer, The D Programming Language not only introduces the D language--it presents a compendium of good practices and idioms to help both your coding with D and your coding in general.

The Geek Dad Book for Aspiring Mad Scientists: The Coolest Experiments and Projects for Science Fairs and Family Fun


Ken Denmead - 2010
    As Ken Denmead explains, most kids lack an understanding of science and an awareness of how it influences our everyday lives. What kids today need is a fun way to learn scientific concepts. This book will help scientists-in-the- making discover how our world works with creative project ideas, including how to: Grow crystals to power your Stargate and set your room aglow Extract your own DNA and decode your genes Build a MacGyver radio from nothing but cast-off electrical and office suppliesChock-full of instructional illustrations throughout, The Geek Dad Book for Aspiring Mad Scientists puts the fun back in science.

Country Boy


Rob Colton - 2010
    Approx. word count: 28,580

Arduino Cookbook


Michael Margolis - 2010
    This simple microcontroller board lets artists and designers build a variety of amazing objects and prototypes that interact with the physical world. With this cookbook you can dive right in and experiment with more than a hundred tips and techniques, no matter what your skill level is.The recipes in this book provide solutions for most common problems and questions Arduino users have, including everything from programming fundamentals to working with sensors, motors, lights, and sound, or communicating over wired and wireless networks. You'll find the examples and advice you need to begin, expand, and enhance your projects right away.Get to know the Arduino development environmentUnderstand the core elements of the Arduino programming languageUse common output devices for light, motion, and soundInteract with almost any device that has a remote controlLearn techniques for handling time delays and time measurementUse simple ways to transfer digital information from sensors to the Arduino deviceCreate complex projects that incorporate shields and external modulesUse and modify existing Arduino libraries, and learn how to create your own

Arduino Cookbook: Recipes to Begin, Expand, and Enhance Your Projects


Michael Margolis - 2010
    You'll find more than 200 tips and techniques for building a variety of objects and prototypes such as IoT solutions, environmental monitors, location and position-aware systems, and products that can respond to touch, sound, heat, and light.Updated for the Arduino 1.8 release, the recipes in this third edition include practical examples and guidance to help you begin, expand, and enhance your projects right away--whether you're an engineer, designer, artist, student, or hobbyist.Get up to speed on the Arduino board and essential software concepts quicklyLearn basic techniques for reading digital and analog signalsUse Arduino with a variety of popular input devices and sensorsDrive visual displays, generate sound, and control several types of motorsConnect Arduino to wired and wireless networksLearn techniques for handling time delays and time measurementApply advanced coding and memory-handling techniques

About Coders


Geek&Poke - 2010
    http://geekandpoke.typepad.com/ comic now has a book!Also available to read for free on Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/doc/38648591/Ab...

Wonder Woman by Gail Simone Omnibus


Gail Simone - 2010
    Now the author's work is collected in a special hardcover edition in Wonder Woman by Gail Simone Omnibus.An army of foes called the Olympians have risen to begin their 'all-out assault on war across the globe, and only Wonder Woman can stop them! One particular attack could spell the end of the Department of Metahuman Affairs and end Wonder Woman's secret identity of Diana Prince. And Wonder Woman's life is changed forever when she faces a monster named Genocide who easily goes toe-to-toe with the Amazon Warrior and beats her!Then, at the ends of the universe, Wonder Woman falls victim to the Black Horizon, risking the safety of her soul. To salvage her very existence, she must ally herself with the legendary Beowulf and another fearsome warrior from DC's past while trapped on a world where her powers have betrayed her. Find out if Wonder Woman will make it out alive, with her soul intact!Gail Simone unveils her own unique vision for Wonder Woman in this hard-hitting graphic novel collection, Wonder Woman by Gail Simone Omnibus. Collects Wonder Woman #14-44 (2008), #600 and Sensation Comics featuring Wonder Woman #1.

The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Inventor's Guide


David J. Perdue - 2010
    But where do you begin?This eagerly awaited second edition of the bestselling Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor's Guide is your key to designing, building, and programming robots with the NXT 2.0 set.You'll learn practical building techniques, like how to build sturdy structures and use gears, and gain a solid understanding of the set's NXT-G programming language. A series of projects new to this edition offers step-by-step instructions for building and programming six robots, each of which can be built with just one NXT 2.0 set, including:Inventor-Bot, a fast, simple, modular vehicle with treadsSentry-Bot, a robot guard that shoots balls at intrudersTable-Bot, a vehicle that uses its antennae to avoid falling off a tabletopThe Jeep, a four-wheeled vehicle that avoids obstacles and follows linesThe Lizard, a large walking robot that uses the color sensor to detect and respond to different colored ballsThe Printer, a stationary robot that uses a pen or marker to draw letters, words, and shapes on paper Additional resources include the Piece Library, which contains basic information on the more than 80 types of LEGO pieces in the NXT 2.0 set, and the Quick Reference, which lists the 34 types of standard programming blocks. So go ahead. Grab your NXT 2.0 set, fire up your imagination, and see what you can invent with The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Inventor's Guide.

The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Discovery Book: A Beginner's Guide to Building and Programming Robots


Laurens Valk - 2010
    The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Discovery Book is the complete, illustrated, beginner's guide to MINDSTORMS that you've been looking for. The crystal clear instructions in the Discovery Book will show you how to harness the capabilities of the NXT 2.0 set to build and program your own robots. Author and robotics instructor Laurens Valk walks you through the set, showing you how to use its various pieces, and how to use the NXT software to program robots. Interactive tutorials make it easy for you to reach an advanced level of programming as you learn to build robots that move, monitor sensors, and use advanced programming techniques like data wires and variables. You'll build eight increasingly sophisticated robots like the Strider (a six-legged walking creature), the CCC (a climbing vehicle), the Hybrid Brick Sorter (a robot that sorts by color and size), and the Snatcher (an autonomous robotic arm). Numerous building and programming challenges throughout encourage you to think creatively and to apply what you've learned as you develop the skills essential to creating your own robots.Requirements: One LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 set (#8547)FeaturesA complete introduction to LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Building and programming instructions for eight innovative robots 50 sample programs and 72 programming challenges (ranging from easy to hard) encourage you to explore newly learned programming techniques 15 building challenges expand on the robot designs and help you develop ideas for new robotsWho is this book for? This is a perfect introduction for those new to building and programming with the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 set. The book also includes intriguing robot designs and useful programming tips for more seasoned MINDSTORMS builders.

Listen with Your Heart


Rob Colton - 2010
    Approx. word count: 6,258

Winning Design!: Lego Mindstorms Nxt Design Patterns for Fun and Competition


James Trobaugh - 2010
    It's about building with LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT for fun, for education, but especially for competition. Author James Trobaugh is an experienced coach and leader in the FIRST LEGO League. In this book, he shares his hard-won knowledge about design principles and techniques that contribute to success in robotics competitions. Winning Design! unlocks the secrets of reliable design using LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT. You'll learn proven design patterns that you can employ for common tasks such as turning, pushing, and pulling. You'll reduce and compensate for variation in performance from battery charge levels and motor calibration differences. You'll produce designs that won't frustrate you by not working, but that will delight you with their reliable performance in the heat of competition. Good design is about more than just the hardware. Software counts for a lot, and Winning Design! has you covered. You'll find chapters on program design and organization with tips on effective coding and documentation practices. You'll learn about master programs and the needed flexibility they provide. There's even a section on presenting your robot and software designs to the judges. Winning Design! is the book you need if your involved in competitions such as FIRST LEGO League events. Whether coach, parent, or student, you'll find much in this book to make your design and competition experience fun and memorable, and educational. Please note: the print version of this title is black & white; the eBook is full color. What you'll learn Build winning robots on a foundation of good chassis design Reduce variability in robot mechanical movements Design modularattachments for quick change during competition Solve navigation problems such as steering, squaring up, and collision detection Manage software using master programs and other techniques Power your robot attachments via motors and pneumatics Who this book is forWinning Design! LEGO Mindstorms NXT Design Patterns for Fun and Competitionis aimed at students, parents, teachers, and coaches involved in LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robot design and programming. Teachers and coaches will find the book to be a valuable teaching resource. Students and parents will find insight into good design practices. And all readers will enjoy the increased satisfaction that comes from building designs that actually work, and that can be relied upon to continue to work every time. Table of Contents Design Considerations Chassis Design Going Straight Consistent Turning Line Following and Detection Squaring Up Collision Detection Passive Attachments Power Attachments Pneumatics Master Programs Program Management Documentation and Presentation Building DemoBot Building the Motor Matching Machine

Windows 7 Annoyances: Tips, Secrets, and Solutions


David A. Karp - 2010
    David A. Karp comes to the rescue with the latest in his popular Windows Annoyances series. This thorough guide gives you the tools you need to fix the troublesome parts of this operating system, plus the solutions, hacks, and timesaving tips to make the most of your PC. Streamline Windows Explorer, improve the Search tool, eliminate the Green Ribbon of Death, and tame User Account Control prompts Explore powerful Registry tips and tools, and use them to customize every aspect of Windows and solve its shortcomings Squeeze more performance from your hardware with solutions for your hard disk, laptop battery, CPU, printers, and more Stop crashes, deal with stubborn hardware and drivers, fix video playback issues, and troubleshoot Windows when it won't start Protect your stuff with permissions, encryption, and shadow copies Secure and speed up your wireless network, fix networking woes, make Bluetooth functional, and improve your Web experience Get nearly all of the goodies in 7 Ultimate, no matter which edition you have "Blunt, honest, and awesome." --Aaron Junod, Manager, Integration Systems at Evolution Benefits "This could be the best [money] you've ever spent." --Jon Jacobi, PC World "To use Windows is to be annoyed -- and this book is the best way to solve any annoyance you come across. It's the most comprehensive and entertaining guide you can get for turning Windows into an operating system that's a pleasure to use." --Preston Gralla, author of Windows Vista in a Nutshell, and Computerworld contributing editor

Introduction to High Performance Computing for Scientists and Engineers


Georg Hager - 2010
    From working in a scientific computing center, the authors gained a unique perspective on the requirements and attitudes of users as well as manufacturers of parallel computers.The text first introduces the architecture of modern cache-based microprocessors and discusses their inherent performance limitations, before describing general optimization strategies for serial code on cache-based architectures. It next covers shared- and distributed-memory parallel computer architectures and the most relevant network topologies. After discussing parallel computing on a theoretical level, the authors show how to avoid or ameliorate typical performance problems connected with OpenMP. They then present cache-coherent nonuniform memory access (ccNUMA) optimization techniques, examine distributed-memory parallel programming with message passing interface (MPI), and explain how to write efficient MPI code. The final chapter focuses on hybrid programming with MPI and OpenMP.Users of high performance computers often have no idea what factors limit time to solution and whether it makes sense to think about optimization at all. This book facilitates an intuitive understanding of performance limitations without relying on heavy computer science knowledge. It also prepares readers for studying more advanced literature.Read about the authors' recent honor: Informatics Europe Curriculum Best Practices Award for Parallelism and Concurrency

Beginning Arduino


Michael McRoberts - 2010
    You'll progress from a complete beginner regarding Arduino programming and electronics knowledge to intermediate skills and the confidence to create your own amazing Arduino projects. Absolutely no experience in programming or electronics required!Rather than requiring you to wade through pages of theory before you start making things, this book has a hands-on approach. You will dive into making projects right from the start, learning how to use various electronic components and how to program the Arduino to control or communicate with those components.Each project is designed to build upon the knowledge learned in earlier projects and to further your knowledge in programming as well as skills with electronics. By the end of the book you will be able create your own projects confidently and with creativity.Please note: the print version of this title is black & white; the eBook is full color. You can download the color diagrams in the book from http: //www.apress.com/9781430232407

Brother-in-Law


Rob Colton - 2010
    Part 2: Billy and Shep deal with their new relationship.__________A story by Rob Colton under the pseudonym of robcub32. Approx. word count: 30,868

The Best American Crime Reporting 2010


Stephen J. Dubner - 2010
    Guest editor Stephen J. Dubner (Freakonomics) joins series editors Otto Penzler and Thomas Cook for the latest annual installment in what Entertainment Weekly has praised as the best mix of “the political, the macabre, and the downright brilliant,” and People Magazine calls, “arresting reading.”What Whoopi Goldberg ("Not a rape-rape"), Harvey Weinstein ("So-called crime"), et al. are saying in their outrage over the arrest of Raman Polanski ; At the train bridge / Calvin Trillin --Smooth jailing / Rick Anderson --What happenned to Etan Patz? / Lisa R. Cohen --Sex. lies, & videotape / Kevin Gray --Trial by fire / David Grann --Flesh and blood / Pamela Colloff --The celebrity defense / Jeffrey Toobin --The chessboard killer / Peter Savodnik --The great buffalo caper / Maximillian Potter --The man who shot the man who shot Lincoln / Ernest B. Furgurson --The boy who heard too much / David Kushner --Bringing down the dogmen / Skip Hollandsworth --Madoff and his models / Ron Chernow --The sicario / Charles Bowden

Solar Electricity Basics: A Green Energy Guide


Daniel D. Chiras - 2010
    As we transition away from finite and polluting fossil fuels, clean, reliable, and affordable renewable technologies such as solar electricity will become the mainstay of our energy supply. Solar Electricity Basics provides a clear understanding of electricity and energy. It discusses the types of solar electric system you can choose from, their components, solar site assessment, the installation of photovoltaic systems, and much more.Whether your goal is to lower your energy bill or to achieve complete energy independence, Solar Electricity Basics is the introduction you need.Dan Chiras is a respected educator and an internationally acclaimed author who has published more than twenty-five books on residential renewable energy and green building, including Power From the Sun.

Torchwood: The Selkie


John Barrowman - 2010
    

Managed Code Rootkits: Hooking Into Runtime Environments


Erez Metula - 2010
    The book, divided into four parts, points out high-level attacks, which are developed in intermediate language.The initial part of the book offers an overview of managed code rootkits. It explores environment models of managed code and the relationship of managed code to rootkits by studying how they use application VMs. It also discusses attackers of managed code rootkits and various attack scenarios. The second part of the book covers the development of managed code rootkits, starting with the tools used in producing managed code rootkits through their deployment.The next part focuses on countermeasures that can possibly be used against managed code rootkits, including technical solutions, prevention, detection, and response tactics. The book concludes by presenting techniques that are somehow similar to managed code rootkits, which can be used in solving problems.