Lost in the Cosmos


Book Description

“A mock self-help book designed not to help but to provoke . . . to inveigle us into thinking about who we are and how we got into this mess.” (Los Angeles Times Book Review). Filled with quizzes, essays, short stories, and diagrams, Lost in the Cosmos is National Book Award–winning author Walker Percy’s humorous take on a familiar genre—as well as an invitation to serious contemplation of life’s biggest questions. One part parody and two parts philosophy, Lost in the Cosmos is an enlightening guide to the dilemmas of human existence, and an unrivaled spin on self-help manuals by one of modern America’s greatest literary masters.




The Bisexual's Guide to the Universe


Book Description

Organised by experience level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), this no-holds-barred, irreverent guide is for anyone-bisexual, queer, pansexual, or none of the above - who wants the best of both worlds. Increase your Bi-Q now!




Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure AZ-204 Exam Guide


Book Description

Uncover the fundamental elements for developing and maintaining cloud-based solutions on Azure Key Features Written by Microsoft technical trainers, to help you explore exam topics in a structured way Understand the "why", and not just "how" behind design and solution decisions Learn Azure development principles with online exam preparation materials Purchase of this book unlocks access to web-based exam prep resources including mock exams, flashcards, exam tips, and the eBook pdf Book DescriptionGet ready to delve into Microsoft Azure and build efficient cloud-based solutions with this updated second edition. Authored by seasoned Microsoft trainers, Paul Ivey and Alex Ivanov, this book offers a structured approach to mastering the AZ-204 exam topics while focusing on the intricacies of Azure development. You’ll familiarize yourself with cloud fundamentals, understanding the core concepts of Azure and various cloud models. Next, you’ll gain insights into Azure App Service web apps, containers and container-related services in Azure, Azure Functions, and solutions using Cosmos DB and Azure Blob Storage. Later, you'll learn how to secure your cloud solutions effectively as well as how to implement message- and event-based solutions and caching. You’ll also explore how to monitor and troubleshoot your solutions effectively. To build on your skills, you’ll get hands-on with monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing Azure applications, ensuring peak performance and reliability. Moving ahead, you’ll be able to connect seamlessly to third-party services, harnessing the power of API management, event-based solutions, and message-based solutions. By the end of this MS Azure book, you'll not only be well-prepared to pass the AZ-204 exam but also be equipped with practical skills to excel in Azure development projects.What you will learn Identify cloud models and services in Azure Develop secure Azure web apps and host containerized solutions in Azure Implement serverless solutions with Azure Functions Utilize Cosmos DB for scalable data storage Optimize Azure Blob storage for efficiency Securely store secrets and configuration settings centrally Ensure web application security with Microsoft Entra ID authentication Monitor and troubleshoot Azure solutions Who this book is for Whether you're looking to validate your existing skills or enhance your Azure knowledge, this comprehensive guide offers a structured approach to mastering key concepts and passing the AZ-204 certification exam. It will be beneficial to have at least one year of Azure development experience and proficiency in at least one Azure-supported programming language to get the most out of this book. Additionally, familiarity with Azure CLI and PowerShell will also be helpful.




Microsoft Certified Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) Exam Guide


Book Description

Boost your Azure career by mastering essential data concepts and cloud services with this pragmatic guide Purchase of this book unlocks access to web-based exam prep resources such as mock exams, flashcards, exam tips, and the eBook PDF Key Features Gain Azure certification insights from industry veteran and Microsoft MVP, Steve Miles Dive into expertly crafted content aligned with the latest DP-900 exam requirements Test your skills with mock exams that mirror the actual certification exam Book DescriptionMicrosoft's Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) certification exam validates your expertise in core data concepts and Azure’s powerful data services capabilities. This comprehensive guide written by Steve Miles—a Microsoft Azure MVP and certified trainer with over 25 years of experience in cloud data services and 30+ certifications across major platforms—serves as your gateway to a future shaped by data and AI, regardless of your technical background. With the help of examples, you'll learn fundamental data concepts, including data representation, data storage options, and common workloads and gain clarity on the roles and responsibilities of key data professionals such as data administrators, engineers, and analysts. This guide covers all crucial exam domains, from data services capabilities of the Azure cloud platform to considerations for relational, non-relational, and analytics workloads, encompassing both Microsoft and open-source technologies. To supplement your exam prep, this book gives you access to a suite of online resources designed to boost your confidence, including mock tests, interactive flashcards, and invaluable exam tips By the end of this book, you’ll be fully prepared not only to pass the DP-900 exam but also to confidently tackle data solutions in Azure, setting a strong foundation for your data-driven careerWhat you will learn Analyze features of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data Utilize Azure SQL and open-source database services confidently Identify and evaluate Azure storage options Understand the versatility of Azure Cosmos DB through use cases and APIs Apply cutting-edge strategies for large-scale analytics in Azure Master core data concepts crucial for Azure environments Explore Microsoft's cloud services for real-time analytics Demonstrate proficiency in data visualization using Power BI Who this book is for This exam guide is designed for anyone who wants to work with Azure data services and prepare for the Azure DP-900 exam. Whether you're an administrator, engineer, architect, developer, analyst, aspiring data scientist, or a non-technical enthusiast interested in learning data concepts, this book is for you. It also lays the groundwork for those planning to pursue more advanced data or AI certifications. A foundational understanding of cloud concepts and client-server applications is assumed.




147 Things


Book Description

It's Sapiens for teenagers.' The Times LIFE IS WEIRD. Nothing gives you a sense of perspective like finding out just how weird. I'm an extremely curious chap and with this book I wanted to share the content of my noggin, because I think these are the 147 things that have helped me through this thing we call life. Sometimes because it shows how lucky we are to be here at all, but often because I’m a moron and learned whatever lesson it taught me the hard way, and I’d like to save you the pain of making the same mistakes (I refer here to the waxing of my pubic hair). Ever wondered if first times are over-rated (hint: they are), whether you’ll ever find the one (hint: there are 7 billion of us) or pondered the sheer unlikelihood of the you who is you being in the world right now? If so, then YouTube superstar and fact-obsessed, over-sharer Jim Chapman is here to explain it all – whether it’s why your heart actually aches after a break-up, what’s happening when you get hangry, or why people are just so plain RUDE online. Along the way, we’ll find out how much fun he has when Tanya’s sleep-talking and why he looked like a gangly T-rex with wonky teeth when he was a teenager. As with his videos, no subject is off-limits, as Jim lifts the lid on his life and his relationships, sharing embarrassing stories and things he’s learnt along the way (trust us, the thing about kangaroos will really freak you out).




Astronomy For Dummies


Book Description

For as long as there have been people, men and women have looked up into the night sky and wondered about the nature of the cosmos. Without the benefit of science to provide answers, they relied on myth and superstition to help them make sense of what they saw. Lucky for us, we live at a time when regular folks, equipped with nothing more than their naked eyes, can look up into the night sky and gain admittance to infinite wonders. If you know what to look for, you can make out planets, stars, galaxies , and even galactic clusters comprising hundreds of millions of stars and spanning millions of light-years. Astronomy For Dummies tells you what you need to know to make sense of the world above us. Written by one of the most well-known astronomers in the world, this fun, fact-filled ,and accessible guide fills you in on the basic principles of astronomy and tells you how to: Identify planets and stars Explore our solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond Understand the Big Bang, quasars, antimatter, black holes, and more Join the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Get the most out of planetarium visits Make more sense out of space missions From asteroids to black holes, quasars to white dwarfs, Astronomy For Dummies takes you on a grand tour of the universe. Featuring star maps, charts, gorgeous full-color photographs, and easy-to-follow explanations it gives you a leg up on the basic science of the universe. Topics covered include: Observing the night sky, with and without optics Selecting binoculars and telescopes and positioning yourself for the best view Meteors, comets, and man-made moons Touring our solar system and becoming familiar with the planets, asteroids, and near Earth objects Our Sun, stars, galaxies, black holes and quasars SETI and planets revolving around other suns Dark matter and antimatter The Big Bang and the evolutions of the universe You might think the cosmos is a vast and mysterious place, but Astronomy For Dummies will make it seem as friendly and familiar as your own backyard.




The Seven Types of Spirit Guide


Book Description

Discover the different types of spirit guides, how to communicate and work with them and how they can help you in every facet of life. Connect with your personal team of spirit guides, and draw on their ancient wisdom and healing to overcome challenges, unlock success and achieve your dreams. The Seven Types of Spirit Guide is the first-ever exploration of the cosmic helpers who have communicated with everyday people across cultures and throughout human history. Spirit guides take many forms, and in this book spirit guide medium Yamile Yemoonyah will introduce you to each of the seven types: angels, ancestors, nature spirits, star beings, animal spirits, ascended masters and deities. Each has specific characteristics, gifts and challenges, and you'll learn the unique reasons your spirit guides are here to support you on your personal path. Featuring an extensive quiz to help you discover which types of spirit guide, or guides, you have, and practical advice on identifying and communicating with them, this refreshing and inclusive companion will help you to further your spiritual development, manifest your dreams and live your purpose.




The Dental Cosmos


Book Description