This new book is a thorough but short review of the history and present status of ideas in cosmology. It is aimed at a broad audience, but will contain a few equations where needed to make the argument exact. The coverage of cosmological ideas will focus mainly on the period from the early 1900s when Einstein formulated relativity and when his colleague Sir Arthur Eddington was creating relativistic models of the universe. It ends with the completion of the Large Hadron Collider in late 2008, having surveyed modern ideas of particle physics and astrophysics. To organize the large body of information involved, the book uses the life of Eddington and the weaving together of ideas in cosmology as themes. This should provide a clear and entertaining account presented in a historical context that leads up to the present day.

When Eric Clapton hit the road in support of 2001's REPTILE, rumors abounded that this would be his last tour. If this hearsay turns out to be true, take consolation in the fact that the live 2-CD ONE MORE CAR, ONE MORE RIDER serves as a nifty souvenir from that particular string of shows. Benefiting from a crystal clear sound mix and a stellar back-up group whose members include keyboardists David Sancious and Billy Preston, Slowhand delivers a heavy mix of his most recent forays into contemporary adult pop and certain classic rock warhorses that would have benefited from early retirement.

Recorded between 1944 & 1948. Through the miracle of high-resolution digital transfer and mastering technology, Bird enthusiasts can now get an earful of the shape of Charlie Parker's musical accomplishments for Savoy and Dial in the 1940s. Available as a three-disc box set, the alto saxophonist is recorded in various configurations as performer and bandleader with such mainstream jazz greats as trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, pianists Bud Powell and Erroll Garner, drummer Max Roach, trombonist J.J. Johnson, and bassist Ray Brown, to name but a few. Charlie Parker draws on his pungent roots and rhythms of the Kansas City jazz scene on "Parker's Mood" and makes a deep statement of the existence of the blues in the jazz tradition. His freedom and rapid-fire sax lines on "Yardbird Suite" serve to confirm his excellence in crafting polished improvisations and solos. One of Parker's strongest compositions, "Orinithology," is pure, unadulterated bebop, and the unique sound of Parker's alto saxophone is clearly articulated through smoothly executed phrasings and cutting, focused energy. Parker picks up the tenor saxophone with the Miles Davis All-Stars on such great songs as "Milestones" and "Sippin' at Bell's." Overall, Bird audiophiles, jazz educators, and historians should be prepared to be impressed. This collection is arguably Bird's most important recording studio work. All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Having been a teen in the early 60's and having experienced the British Invasion music first hand, I have always been partial to The Searchers music, considering them equal to The Beatles. Their unique guitar sounds and vocal harmonies were a perfect blend. I have all of their original 60's U.S. L.P.'s but had to have this C.D. for the rarities plus the improved digital sound. I was not disappointed when I heard it. The sound is sharp and clear and the music is great. If you are a Searchers fan this C.D. is a must.