"Scientists thought we were safe from invasion. The distance between stars is so great that it seemed impossible for even the most advanced civilizations to send a large spaceship from one star system to another. But now, a species--a planet--other than our own has found a way. An unassuming probe from another star system lands in an empty corner of New York City and drills into the ground underneath, drawing electricity from the power lines to jumpstart its automated expansion. When it's discovered, it injects nanodevices into those people unlucky enough to come near it"--Provided by publisher.
Scientists thought that Earth was safe from invasion. The distance between stars is so great that it seemed impossible for even the most advanced civilizations to send a large spaceship from one star system to another. But now an alien species—from a planet hundreds of light-years from Earth—has found a way. A small spherical probe lands in an empty corner of New York City. It soon drills into the ground underneath, drawing electricity from the power lines to jump-start its automated expansion and prepare for alien colonization. When the government proves slow to react, NASA scientist Dr. Sarah Pooley realizes she must lead the effort to stop the probe before it becomes too powerful. Meanwhile, the first people who encounter the alien device are discovering just how insidious this interstellar intruder can be. In The Orion Plan, Mark Alpert presents a fascinating story of first contact with an alien intelligence far beyond what we can imagine.
Thirty writers, educators, activists, and scientists were asked by Orion Magazine to describe some of the other qualities that will be needed if humanity is to discover a more peaceful and redemptive way of living over the next thirty years. From optimism to improvisation, from young farmers to empty pockets, the responses collected here are as wide-ranging as they are compelling.
"Project Orion describes one of the most awesome 'might have beens' (and may yet bes!) of the space age. This is essential reading for anyone interested in government bureaucracies and the military industrial complex." -Sir Arthur C. Clarke
The premier resource in the field of Form 5500 preparation, 5500 Preparer's Manual will help you handle the required annual Form 5500 filings for both pension benefits and welfare benefit plans. Written by an expert in the field of Form 5500 preparation, the 2016 Plan Years edition provides: Up-to-date, line-by-line explanations, making it easy to prepare forms for filings At-a-glance charts and examples covering key requirements, filing summaries, due dates, penalties, and more Step-by-step instructions for electronic filing, including electronic signatures, transmission, and accessing government software And more The 2016 Plan Years edition has been completely updated to include guidance on: Discussion of the Form 5500 2019 plan year proposed modernization changes DOL proposed annual compliance reporting for small plans that are currently exempt from annual reporting to file a newly proposed Schedule J (Group Health Plan Information), in addition to completing certain Form 5500 elements Detailed listings of ERISA and non-ERISA health and welfare benefits to clarify which are required to be reported on a Form 5500 filing ERISA Filing Acceptance System 2 (EFAST2) processes and requirements for mandatory electronic filing and how to amend the Form 5500 filings using the electronic system Late filings, the DOL's Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance (DFVC) Program, and the latest IRS rules that must be satisfied in order to qualify for full relief under DFVC Information about the new IRS compliance questions appearing on Form 5500-EZ as well as Schedules H, I, and R and which items should not be completed for 2016 plan years How to qualify for relief from the audit requirements that apply to small pension plans And much more
Is the universe actually a giant quantum computer? According to Seth Lloyd, the answer is yes. All interactions between particles in the universe, Lloyd explains, convey not only energy but also information–in other words, particles not only collide, they compute. What is the entire universe computing, ultimately? “Its own dynamical evolution,” he says. “As the computation proceeds, reality unfolds.” Programming the Universe, a wonderfully accessible book, presents an original and compelling vision of reality, revealing our world in an entirely new light.
From New York Times bestselling author Bryan Reardon comes a tense, twisting story about two brothers locked together in a dangerous game—and an unforgettable tale of a family’s dark secrets. Liam Brennan teeters on the edge. Early one morning, he snaps, kidnapping a young woman who works for Drew Brennan, Liam’s older brother and the upstart candidate in a heated election. This sudden, vicious attack appears to be the beginning of an unthinkable spiral. But when it comes to the Brennan brothers, nothing is what it seems. To the rest of the world, Liam is the troubled problem child who grew up to be his brother’s enforcer, while Drew has always been the perfect son and a charismatic leader who has his sights set on the governor’s mansion with his charming and beautiful wife, Patsy, by his side. Now, as Liam tries to stay one step ahead of the authorities and his brother, every passing minute provides a deeper glimpse into the brothers’ past, long hidden behind a picture-perfect suburban veneer. With the threat of the truth surfacing, Liam and Drew are driven toward one final, desperate act...
