Time. Gravity. Night. So much of what surrounds us feels familiar and mundane. But each is a wonder that reveals profound insights into the world around us.

C. Renee James's whimsical tour of seven everyday experiences--night, light, stuff, gravity, time, home, and wonder--opens the Universe to fantastical contemplation. Light? Although we need it to see, there's much more to it than meets the eye. Stuff? When it comes down to it, things are almost entirely empty space--99.9% nothing--especially when you get to the atomic level. Home? James's contemplation of our place in the Universe shows that it's not just a place to hang your hat--and that there's really nothing else like it.

James introduces each of these seven wonders with a simple question that appears to be easily answered. The questions are deceptive, though--as is James's casual, light-hearted style. Underneath lie such concepts as relativity, matter and antimatter, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Her accessible discussion uses common analogies and entertaining illustrations to provide a bundle of detail on historical discoveries and to provoke serious pondering.

Fun and edifying, "Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably Took for Granted" is an inviting introduction to secret knowledge of our everyday world. This book may be 99.9% nothing, but the thoughts it will inspire are massive.

Don't settle for generic Spanish Put away the stale phrasebooks and learn to speak just like the natives Join us as we explore the most common expressions used in the "Land of Eternal Spring." What is a mish? Is it different from a chucho? What if you ask someone how he's doing and the response is "Dos que tres." Why the numbers? Find out the real meaning behind the words. You'll save money at the market and even make new friends. Start learning Spanish... one country at a time.

Think you know Spanish? Think again The moment you land in Nicaragua you will be bombarded with words, phrases, and sayings typical of the country's creative-minded inhabitants. What does it all mean? Come with us on a thrilling adventure through 200 of the most common expressions. And learn some history and culture on the way We don't teach you Spanish; we teach you how to make your Spanish more Nicaraguan