Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku (2008, Hardcover)

Back in 1995, I had a sandwich in Pittsburgh. That doesn't sound too exciting, but I've been thinking about that sandwich for a dozen years and just got around to recreating it. But first, let's talk about Pennsylvania beer. Namely Yuengling, the oldest brewery in America. It was recently introduced to the Memphis market through Budweiser (thanks to Bill H. for the info!). It's having some difficulty gaining new fans in the region because many think that it's Chinese, but local residents of Pennsylvanian heritage (or Steelers fans) have been known to rent vans, drive up to the Quaker State, and drive back with dozens of cases of this brew.

It's not the best beer in the world, but for the price it's amazing. At the store I grabbed a sixer of the Black & Tan, traditionally a layered beverage of Guinness Stout and Harp Lager (or Bass Ale). Here it's a mix of a super dark Porter with a fairly dark Lager. You get the coppery molasses aromas and deep flavor with a lighter, fizzier mouth feel and touches of black coffee on the finish. Frankly my favorite beers are those that don't permit the passage of light through a glass.

After enjoying Dr Kaku's take on things on the Science Channel, I decided to check out his approach to science in print. He is every bit as interesting as his screen presence indicates.

Using references from science fiction and everyday experience, he explores such things as faster-than-light travel, time travel, black holes, and other seemingly impossible aspects of Physics. (Is it possible to go faster than the speed of light? No, but...) His writing style is chatty, and he very much agrees with Einstein that "Science should be explained in terms that even a child can understand."

That doesn't mean he talks down to his readers. He is concise in his approach and makes this a very readable book. At times, he reminds me of the late, great Issac Asimov and, more recently, Dr Brian Greene of "Elegant Universe" fame.


If you are curious about the science behind "Star Trek", "Star Wars," or even "Doctor Who", give this book a try. You'll be glad you did.

FREAKY. AWESOME. GREAT READING.THANX FROM BEETNIX2 ITS HARD TO PUT DOWN.EASY READ. EXPLAINED SO ANYONE COULD UNDERSTAND.

This is officially my number 1 favorite book. Michio Kaku is a bit cocky but that's ok. I don't blame him. I always said to myself there is NOTHING thats impossible if we can operate on the sub-atomic level. I was right all along, he just put it in detail.

Great book and very informative and intersting because I am into science and what the future may hold for us.