Books with author Rebecca C. Thompson

Exploring the science in George R. R. Martin's fantastical world, from the physics of an ice wall to the genetics of the Targaryens and Lannisters.Game of Thrones is a fantasy that features a lot of made-up science―fabricated climatology (when is winter coming?), astronomy, metallurgy, chemistry, and biology. Most fans of George R. R. Martin's fantastical world accept it all as part of the magic. A trained scientist, watching the fake science in Game of Thrones, might think, “But how would it work?” In Fire, Ice, and Physics, Rebecca Thompson turns a scientist's eye on Game of Thrones, exploring, among other things, the science of an ice wall, the genetics of the Targaryen and Lannister families, and the biology of beheading. Thompson, a PhD in physics and an enthusiastic Game of Thrones fan, uses the fantasy science of the show as a gateway to some interesting real science, introducing GOT fandom to a new dimension of appreciation. Thompson starts at the beginning, with winter, explaining seasons and the very elliptical orbit of the Earth that might cause winter to come (or not come). She tells us that ice can behave like ketchup, compares regular steel to Valyrian steel, explains that dragons are “bats, but with fire,” and considers Targaryen inbreeding. Finally she offers scientific explanations of the various types of fatal justice meted out, including beheading, hanging, poisoning (reporting that the effects of “the Strangler,” administered to Joffrey at the Purple Wedding, resemble the effects of strychnine), skull crushing, and burning at the stake. Even the most faithful Game of Thrones fans will learn new and interesting things about the show from Thompson's entertaining and engaging account. Fire, Ice, and Physics is an essential companion for all future bingeing.

Exploring the science in George R. R. Martin's fantastical world, from the physics of an ice wall to the genetics of the Targaryens and Lannisters.Game of Thrones is a fantasy that features a lot of made-up science—fabricated climatology (when is winter coming?), astronomy, metallurgy, chemistry, and biology. Most fans of George R. R. Martin's fantastical world accept it all as part of the magic. A trained scientist, watching the fake science in Game of Thrones, might think, “But how would it work?” In Fire, Ice, and Physics, Rebecca Thompson turns a scientist's eye on Game of Thrones, exploring, among other things, the science of an ice wall, the genetics of the Targaryen and Lannister families, and the biology of beheading. Thompson, a PhD in physics and an enthusiastic Game of Thrones fan, uses the fantasy science of the show as a gateway to some interesting real science, introducing GOT fandom to a new dimension of appreciation. Thompson starts at the beginning, with winter, explaining seasons and the very elliptical orbit of the Earth that might cause winter to come (or not come). She tells us that ice can behave like ketchup, compares regular steel to Valyrian steel, explains that dragons are “bats, but with fire,” and considers Targaryen inbreeding. Finally she offers scientific explanations of the various types of fatal justice meted out, including beheading, hanging, poisoning (reporting that the effects of “the Strangler,” administered to Joffrey at the Purple Wedding, resemble the effects of strychnine), skull crushing, and burning at the stake. Even the most faithful Game of Thrones fans will learn new and interesting things about the show from Thompson's entertaining and engaging account. Fire, Ice, and Physics is an essential companion for all future bingeing.

What is the Earth Window? Who is Ck5? Where are the voices coming from? Driven by memories of her famous Astronaut father, Dorian Fox is on her way to the new Polaris Lunar Mining Base. It is only the beginning of her journey and nothing seems to unfold as planned. The Defense Alliance needs her help and she needs answers. With only fragments of family stories growing up Dorian hoped that going to the stars would help her to discover the parents that she never really knew. In many ways Dorian knew that she was exceptional, but she is also filled with normal doubts about meeting the challenges of the future. During her Polaris training she met Casey Adams, a self-assured and capable pilot astronaut. Adam helps Dorian to build her own confidence and strength. He is her rock and also the close relationship that Dorian never expected. Together they make discoveries that change the direction of their lives forever.Dorian, Volume One is the first in a series of stories that take us to the Labyrinth Nebula. It’s a fantastic place where alien life and civilizations demonstrate that we are not alone and we have a lot to learn. Facing a common threat these diverse worlds must put aside their differences and work together for the common goal of survival. Dorian’s future keeps pulling her further into the unknown; both wonderful and dangerous.

This book is a re-telling of the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore and features the Gnomes that inhabit Placerville, California.In 1849 miners flocked to what is now Placerville, California, in search of gold. Before the prospectors arrived, the forests and streams were home to little curious gnomes. Throughout the town's history, these gnomes have hidden in plain sight and delighted in the antics of humans, borrowing items from them to decorate their homes, and living in unused space. In modern times, the gnomes of Placerville have come out of hiding and can be found people-watching on Main Street, or wherever large crowds gather. These gnomes, and their exploits can be found on social media by searching the hashtag #PVGnomey.

What is the Earth Window? Who is Ck5? Where are the voices coming from? Driven by memories of her famous Astronaut father, Dorian Fox is on her way to the new Polaris Lunar Mining Base. It is only the beginning of her journey and nothing seems to unfold as planned. The Defense Alliance needs her help and she needs answers. With only fragments of family stories growing up Dorian hoped that going to the stars would help her to discover the parents that she never really knew. In many ways Dorian knew that she was exceptional, but she is also filled with normal doubts about meeting the challenges of the future. During her Polaris training she met Casey Adams, a self-assured and capable pilot astronaut. Adam helps Dorian to build her own confidence and strength. He is her rock and also the close relationship that Dorian never expected. Together they make discoveries that change the direction of their lives forever.Dorian, Volume One is the first in a series of stories that take us to the Labyrinth Nebula. It’s a fantastic place where alien life and civilizations demonstrate that we are not alone and we have a lot to learn. Facing a common threat these diverse worlds must put aside their differences and work together for the common goal of survival. Dorian’s future keeps pulling her further into the unknown; both wonderful and dangerous.

In 1849 miners flocked to what is now Placerville, California in search of gold. Before the prospectors arrived, the forests and streams were home to little curious gnomes. Throughout the town's history, these gnomes have hidden in plain sight and delighted in the antics of humans. In modern times, the gnomes of Placerville have come out of hiding and can be found people-watching on Main Street. The Gnomes of Placerville is a book written and illustrated by C. Thompson to work in tandem with the small clay gnomes she has hidden around Placerville, California for years. These gnomes, and their exploits can be found on social media by searching the hashtag #PVGnomey.