James Duggan

Snapshots of the Universe: a Laymans' Guide James Duggan

Publisher Marketing: This book presents a unique and interesting introduction to the wonders of the known universe. It is a reflection of nearly sixty years of observation by the author and his perception and interpretation of all things universally related. It makes statements, poses questions and offers theories. It is written in simple language, supported by almost 100 appropriate colour illustrations, which hopefully will enable readers to easily grasp the essence of the various subject headings. It will perhaps inspire them to take a deeper interest in one or more aspects of what is probably the most fascinating subject of our times. Like the universe itself any book written about it would be immeasurably huge, therefore each heading in the index can only be a snapshot of that particular subject. It is designed to give the reader a starting point from which to go on and delve a little deeper into areas of particular interest. The headings are presented in no particular order other than alphabetically with every letter being represented. Uniquely there is a different subject for each of the 52 weeks of the year thus allowing a structured learning platform allowing a more in depth study for those readers who may wish to delve further. The facts and figures where stated are as accurate as they can be at the time of writing on what is a fast moving, immense and ever changing subject. They reflect undisputed research carried out by cosmologists, physicists and other scientific bodies into the known universe. They can be verified and expanded upon by reference to numerous written scientific publications and internet searches. Any questions posed by the author throughout this book are included purely to provoke further thought on the subject under discussion and are in no way intended to be controversial or offensive to those who may have opposing ideas or views. If this book stimulates thinking and discussion and helps to generate greater interest by the general public in the grandeur of our universe then it will have served its' objective well. Contributor Bio:  Duggan, James JIM DUGGAN spent a quarter of his working life in the driver training business as a driving instructor and latterly involved in the training of instructors. With a pass rate of 78% at a time when the general pass rate was only 32% he has a proven track record. Having now retired from the practical side of the business he wants to pass on all that experience to anyone who may benefit from it. The A. D. I. Theory Test requires a very high mark if a candidate is to be successful, indeed the minimum requirement is 85%. Even that will only be successful if minimum marks in each of four categories are gained. Such high marks are required to ensure driving instructors are well equipped to meet the D. S. A.s aim of improving the general standard of driving. He realised trainee A. D. I.s needed something more than just unending verbal guidance on what was required to get them through the A. D. I. 'Theory Test'. Equally they needed some kind of motivation to work their way through the required reading in their own time. His solution to the problem was to prepare focused question sheets which the trainee could take away for the purpose of seeking out the answers in the required reading before the next lesson. They would then be marked up during the following training session with each question being discussed to clarify the thinking and reasoning behind it. The usefulness and benefits of the question sheets became immediately obvious. Trainees became competitive within their group and worked studiously at home to ensure they obtained high marks and were not embarrassed among their peers. The resultant pass rate was almost 100% which was a very satisfactory outcome. However, Jim eventually came to the conclusion that providing a candidate was sufficiently self motivated there was in fact no need for paid formal sessions of training. Providing the question sheets were made generally available together with the recommended books there was no reason why a studious self motivated candidate could not get through the 'Theory Test' without the help of formal tuition and the high costs involved therein. He produced a series of E-books on driver training, of which 'A Thousand & One Theory Test Questions for Trainee A. D. I.s' is just one. They can all be found on www.itsadriversworld.com However, he was aware that some people still prefer to work from the printed word and so here it is.