Hmmmmm. I got home from Florida, and there was an envelope waiting for me.
 |
| Our Hero stumbles upon A Mysterious Package |
What could it be? The return address provided a clue: Viking/Penguin, NYC. Hmmmm.
I opened it, and saw… well… I don’t want to spoil the surprise. But I cannot leave my devoted BABloggees totally in the dark. Perhaps a peek is deserved. Hmmmm, yes.
 |
| The Equally Mysterious Contents of said Envelope |
Made.
Of.
Win.
Far be it for me to reveal The Contents of The Envelope, but if you want to see more, you’ll just have to wait until October 20.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
WANT.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
GIMME!
September 18th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Will there be a contest?
September 18th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
*thinks really hard*
Is it…cake?
September 18th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Is it…a tennis racket?
September 18th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Wait whoa whoa whoa your book is coming out in HARDCOVER?!
September 18th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Candy, right? It’s gotta be candy! I bet it’s candy. It’s candy, everyone!
It is candy, isn’t it?
September 18th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Oh man, reading the reviewer comments on your book and I almost died. “Reading this book is like getting punched in the face by Carl Sagan. Frightening, yet oddly exhilarating.”
I really desire a t-shirt now, with your face on it. “Talking to this man is like getting punched in the face by Carl Sagan.” Nevermind that nobody, ever, would get it.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Let me see just the time, 8 days before my neices 3 birthday and 12 days before my birthday.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Looks like the title is “feath”
September 18th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
ARGH!
More teasing photos of your bookshelves! Please join LibraryThing and catalog those books for the world/stalkers to see.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
*leaps for book* Gimme! *wrestles Phil for it*
September 18th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
8 days before my neices 3 birthday
“Look, sweety! It’s a book about cool ways we could all die!” ^^
September 18th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Oh, no! Tell me that the fact that there is “PhD” written after your name was an editorial decision. I don’t want you to be one of those odious people who show off their degrees constantly.
Luis, BA PhD. Yup, no MA there, and happy to keep it that way.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Who is “Philip Plait”?
September 18th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Wow! It’s a copy of Metal Gear 5! probably. In my dreams.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Also, I have my B.A., and I run a blog. Does that make me a B.A.Blogee? That’s probably what that stands for.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
one of those odious people who show off their degrees constantly.
I suspect if he were, it’d be plastered all over the top of the blog rather than the single “Dr. Plait” near the end of the disclaimer.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Wow, you only got one copy of your own book? Sheesh. You’d think they would have sent you a whole box or something.
Must be the economy.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Oh, and…
“Philip!?!”
September 18th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Wow. Its in hardcover! I’m not gona wait for the paperback! Come October, I’m spending the big bucks for the big book, dust-jacket and all!
September 18th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Oooh. Soon as that comes out in Australia, I’ll be all over it! (Note to self: ask local bookshop to order it.)
Also, the Sagan quote nearly made me spittake my orange juice XD
September 18th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Oh, you should have seen what Daniel Wilson’s original Sagan quote was! But we couldn’t use it on the book.
And I’ll never tell.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
@bunny with a whip
I just meant it is going to be a cool time year.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Naomi, I’m all for local shops but when you’re talking hardcovers Amazon is significantly cheaper especially with our dollar the way it is now. I work it out to be AU$33 delivered to Oz from Amazon. Otherwise it will be close to Au$60 for the hardcover locally because I’m guessing it will be a special order/import.
According to Amazon I purchased this book back in June and it will sent out Oct 16th. Yippee.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Okay, Phil, how do I convince you to sell autographed copies at a higher price and donate the overage to a worthy cause like SETI or something?
I want an autographed copy, which is my selfish motivation, but hey, I’m not going to just come out and ask for one – so why not suggest a way to do some good, too?
September 18th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Did you autograph it? You know, just for practice…
September 18th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
The book has been ordered. Can’t wait for “Death From the Skies” to show up at my house in a padded envelope!
September 18th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
“Oh, you should have seen what Daniel Wilson’s original Sagan quote was! But we couldn’t use it on the book. ”
I imagine your publisher didn’t want the term “Hot Carl Sagan” so prominently displayed on the book’s jacket…
(see what happens when you refuse to tell? We have to speculate!)
September 18th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Looks like one of the famous SOHO x-ray pics on the cover.
Yup. Flipped vertically for aesthetics.
Must be a book about good weather – warm sunny days and all that …
September 18th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
So when are you posting the downloadable PDF?
September 18th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Phil, if you’re reading this…
…please, please, pwetty pwease bring back the video chat?
September 18th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Phil, you so have to do an audio book. As in you. Not an actor.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Your copy of Dianetics finally arrived! Praise Xenu!
September 18th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the moment!
September 18th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I was right! The resemblance is uncanny.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I’ve seen a scan of the back cover. Here’s the blurbs:
“Lovely cover” – Stephen Hawking, Noted Physicist
“Hello? It’s cold and dark and lonely where I am. Hello?” – Carl Sagan, Dead Astronomer
“I got a copy to read, but I set fire to it instead and launched it 35,000 feet in the air. It was neat!” – Adam Savage, Mythbuster
“This book get the Popeariffic Seal Of Approval!” – Pope Benedict XVI, Pope
“Oook!” – Librarian, Unseen University
“Anyone who does not buy this book is a [bleeping] [bleep] and [bleeped] in the [bleeping] [bleep] seven [bleep] [bleepic] velcro [bleeping] [bleepity] Shatner [bleep]!” – Penn Jillette, magician (sort of)
“I’ve decided to put off destroying the Earth with a storm of black holes because of this book!” – XxrtYzk, The alien A.I. secretly in charge of the LHC
“Oh mercy me! It even has the fires of Hades right on the cover! You’ve got the devil in you, Philip J. Plait!” – Becky Fischer, founder of the “Jesus Camp”
“Phil who?” – PZ Myers
“Best book since the Good Book,” – Jesus H. Christ, appearing on a tamale in Mexico City
September 18th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
you forget tellers review,
-Teller
September 18th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
So, is Philip your brother or something?
September 18th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Hopefully this out sales Hoaglands book which is at no.6 in astronomy over at amazon.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
gratz
September 18th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
More blurbs:
“When this book is released, the star Arcturus will be 33 degrees above the horizon in Plano, Texas. Coincidence? I think not! Metadimensional tetrahedral warfare from space? I think so!” Richard C. Hoaglad
“” – Teller, Penn’s partner and co-inventor of the atomic bomb
“I have to admit I feel sort of crawly when Phil admits his man crush for me. What? Oh, book looks great!” – Wil Wheaton
“Appears to be a bit of a trifling diversion (sniff)” – Richard Dawkins
“God may not be great, but Phil is” – Christopher Hitchens
“I agree with Christopher Hitchens” – God
September 18th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
It’s the newest “New Kids On The Block” reunion album! How cool is that!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Quiet D wins it all!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Quiet D wins it all!
Define “all”
September 18th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I spent like an hour and a half in Orlando Airport trying to find it as I didn’t remember the name of the book, untill finally in a book shop a lady managed to check Amazon where it was said it would hit the shelves Oct, 20. That was a punch!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
@Quiet D:
U know… teh inetrnets… a date with Wil Wheaton… maybe a copy of Phil’s book…?
(Hey I tried)
September 18th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Congratulations Phil!
@ Michael L
Can I put my clothes back on now?
September 18th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
OK, I’ll stop after this.
“This book will inspire me through the closing days of the election” – Barack Obama
“To be added to the library of the TARDIS,” – The Doctor
“A cybernetic ghost of Phil can haunt my mind anytime!” – Cylon human model #6
“Amazon is shipping one to my cave right now!” – Osama Bin Laden
“We are totally doing the movie version of this as Armageddon II!” – Michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer
“What is it? Some sort of science book?” – John McCain
“Whatever it is, I’m going to see it’s banned” – Sarah Palin
“Seriously, Phil who?” – PZ Myers
September 18th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Is it supposed to say “author of Bab Astromony?”
Someone call Wordsplosion!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
“Wafer thin, I nailed it” – PZ Myers
September 18th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
“Becomes plasma at 451 degrees Fahrenheit” – Nathan Myers
September 18th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
“PULL!”, *BOOM*, “Yeeehawww, got ‘im” – Dick Cheney
September 18th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
@Madge, if you must!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
“I did not read that book” – Bill Clinton
“It took a bullet for me in Bosnia” – Hillary Clinton
September 18th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
How do I get an autographed copy ?
September 18th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
If you order it from Amazon with “Bad Astronomy” you can get “FREE Super Saver Shipping”!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Ooh yeah, take it off… take it all off…
September 18th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Bleah… and I heard that Michael Stackpole got a better peek at it at Dragon*Con this year…
http://tinyurl.com/stackpoleD-C
September 19th, 2008 at 12:15 am
“Turns out, it’s not a movie, and I’m an illiterate bum!”, raves Michael Medved of Sneak Previews.
“No, seriously. I can’t read. Are they going to make a movie out of it?”, extols Michael Medved of Sneak Previews.
“Well if they ever do, let me know. I might watch it.”, whinnies Michael Medved of Sneak Previews.
“That John Stossel dude totally stole my look. Did I already ask if they’re going to make a movie out of it?”, shebangs Michael Medved of Sneak Previews.
“Oh I did? Well how about pop-up book format. I can kinda read those. ”, ballyooks Michael Medved of Sneak Previews.
“Oh wait, this isn’t even Dianetics! I didn’t have to pay for this thing, did I?”, snargles Michael Medved of Sneak Previews.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Jose: Admit it. You *LOVE* Michael Medved.
Actually, a popup book version is brilliant. Pull the tab and the little asteroid hits the Earth…
September 19th, 2008 at 12:40 am
I’ve preordered my copy. If my “books to read” bookcase #2 collapses under the additional weight when it arrives, you’re getting the bill
September 19th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Death from the anticipation!
September 19th, 2008 at 12:44 am
You know you’re a geek when, according to Amazon, the people who’ve bought your book have also bought “Dungeons and Dragons Core Rulebook Gift Set, 4th Edition”.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Mewants, book edition.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Very nice news. I’ll be dressed up as an exploding star outside the bookshop at 4.00 am the day of release.
I especially like how in the picture of Philip’s bookshelf, we can see there’s a ‘Dummies’ book, but he’s cleverly cropped off the full title, so we’ll never KNOW WHAT HE’S A DUMMY ABOUT.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Phil, did you have a co-author from your family? Well, the German branch of Amazon seems to think so, turning “Ph.D., Philip Plait” from Amazon.com into this:
“von Philip Plait (Autor), Ph. D. Plait (Autor)”
September 19th, 2008 at 1:54 am
“Death From The Skies”? Why plural? Skies? As if their are multiple beings on multiple spheres in the universe to observe these skies? Why not, “sky”?
September 19th, 2008 at 2:43 am
All I can read are the wordsPhilip Plait … Death. Oh my God! A death threat???!!!!
Throw away that envelope at once!!!
September 19th, 2008 at 3:13 am
But the link to come here is “Death From The Skies”
“Death From The Skies”? Why plural? Skies? As if their are multiple beings on multiple spheres in the universe to observe these skies? Why not, “sky”?
September 19th, 2008 at 3:15 am
I know what it says!
Philip Plait, PhD
Author of Bad Astronomy
is
Death!
—
Am I close?
September 19th, 2008 at 3:36 am
Phil, you are shameless! But damn if it doesn’t work.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:43 am
“Death From The Skies”? Why plural? Skies? As if their are multiple beings on multiple spheres in the universe to observe these skies? Why not, “sky”?
It’s a misprint. It’s actually supposed to read “Death From The Skis”. The book is actually about Bodie Miller going on a murderous rampage through a village of leprechauns,
September 19th, 2008 at 3:53 am
hmmm….. I wonder if spamming my boyfriend’s e-mail account with links to this is a big enough hint?
and also, is it too early to be begging for christmas gifts?
September 19th, 2008 at 4:55 am
Yes it’s candy. Brain candy.
Mmmmm, braaaiiin… uh, no I mean Mmmm cannnndy.
September 19th, 2008 at 5:05 am
I want my copy!
September 19th, 2008 at 5:05 am
Even if I am one of those evil Christian types, I look forward to reading it. I’ll order it when I get to Afghanistan later this year.
September 19th, 2008 at 5:39 am
Congrats on what can only be a novelization of “Death to Smoochy,” Phil! Or perhaps a Death Cab for Cutie bio?
September 19th, 2008 at 6:09 am
What about a translation into Spanish??
September 19th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Nom nom nom….me want want want book!
September 19th, 2008 at 6:29 am
GIMME
September 19th, 2008 at 6:43 am
I’m broke, but I demanded that my library order several copies of it, so I’ll take credit for that. Well, I requested. Nicely. But it’s on order, so it worked. And I’m first on the list to get it.
September 19th, 2008 at 6:44 am
At first glance I thought the package read “This poooh is resealable”.
Yes, with three ohs.
September 19th, 2008 at 6:49 am
take it off… take it all off…
If you insist. *removes whip* Wow, did it get drafty in here?
September 19th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Soooooo when does the “Win a signed copy of My new book contest” start?
And since I’m asking I think I should auto-win one.
September 19th, 2008 at 7:26 am
I ordered mine right after TAM. I can’t wait for it to arrive!
September 19th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Congrats Phil. I know when I get a copy of a magazine I’ve written for, seeing the final product is something that gives me a feeling akin to getting a lapdance by Angelina Jolie. Hope your feet touch Earth again sometime around Saturday.
September 19th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Any chance of signings at the AAS in Long Beach?
September 19th, 2008 at 7:59 am
“Dedicated to the inspired directors and actors of Armeggeden“
September 19th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Just a note to remind everyone that today, September 19, is Speak Like a Pirate Day, arrr, so it be.
So I’s be thinkin’, luandlubbers, that Bad Phil the Pirate’s book be called “Death on the High Seas”, arr, that it be. An’ I’ll be keelhaulin’ any scurvy lad who be sayin’ different, arr, I will that, ye ken…
September 19th, 2008 at 8:07 am
WANT!!!
Autographed by the author would be a major bonus!
Rich in Charlottesville
September 19th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Regarding the use of “Philip” and “PhD”, would you by a science book from “Dr. Phil”?
September 19th, 2008 at 8:14 am
would you by a science book from “Dr. Phil”?
*shivers*
Excellent point. Blargh.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Pre-ordered … can’t wait! Arrr….
September 19th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Quiet Desperation:
Why?
September 19th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Flickr:
Umm… Oops?
September 19th, 2008 at 8:32 am
So now we have to log into Flikr to see your photos?
Meh…
September 19th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Man! That IS a nice envelope! Is it manufactured of genuine Tyvek ™ and lined in bubble wrap?
It’s too bad you had to ruin it by ripping it to shreds. Maybe if you read the book and like it you won’t mind the loss so much.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Maybe he’s got a setting wrong. You can still get to my Flickr photostream without logging in. (Though you can’t see the naughty pics.)
September 19th, 2008 at 8:54 am
I need to find a book signing event! Do you have a schedule yet?
September 19th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Maybe this? :
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0764551558.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
September 19th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Is this going to be available on Sony e-books? I NEED IT NOW!
September 19th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Just Pre-ordered from Barnes and Noble.com
WOOP_WOOP!!!!!
September 19th, 2008 at 10:13 am
With the book available on Monday, October 20th, perhaps we could have a live video chat on Sunday, November 2nd for a discussion? Daylight savings time ends on that day so everyone will have an extra hour of spare time.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Ken B Says: Why?
Well, mainly, it was late and I was sleepy.
They were getting less clever, too. I’m a good self critic, and know when to pull the plug.
September 19th, 2008 at 10:37 am
“An excellent preview of ways God will deal with Hindus and Gays.” – Pat Robertson, the 700 Club.
“Why would I care about a book about disasters when I’m already burning for all eternity? Hitler! For the last time, stop pooping on my lawn! That’s why I bought you the LitterMaid” – Jerry Falwell, Resident of hell.
Wow this just never gets old!
September 19th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I’ll never pull the plug!
September 19th, 2008 at 10:45 am
“I have clear, indisputable evidence that this book was in fact plagiarized from alien writings contained on metallic plates that have been investigated by noted metallics experts who claim without a doubt that the plates could not be of earthly origin. But don’t ask to see the plates… they were mysteriously lost in transport from my shed.” – Michael Horn
September 19th, 2008 at 10:57 am
“Citations please” – MachineElf
September 19th, 2008 at 11:05 am
“Not as squeezably soft as Charmin” – Adam Savage
September 19th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
@Naked Bunny with a Whip :
Crack that whip
When a problem comes along
You must whip it
I say whip it
Whip it good
Crack that whip
September 19th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Crack that whip
Indeed, and it *is* Friday..!
September 19th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Love the punched in the face book. It also just so happens that I have his book as well (“How to survive a Robot Uprising”) You need to get a review from Max Brooks next time (“Zombie Survival Guide”, “World War Z”)
September 19th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Ah yes, the old, “half hidden book in the package” clue. Are you now preparing to script mystery shows?
It’s supposed to hit the shelves this Oct, right? I’m waiting,,,with a small check??? It is cheap, right? So it can reach out to the unwashed/broke/unemployed masses???
Just kidding. I do have a job.
GAry 7
September 19th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
[...] I tease the book last night, and today I decide to check the Amazon rank… [...]
September 19th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
“This book is a direct word from God. In the Book of Revelation, the Lord Jesus Himself Christ says that He will destroy a third of the earth,a nd a third of the seas and a third of mankind. Because man did not turn from evil. My good brother, Dr. Phil Plait has clearly shown how God Almighty will pour out His wrath on all those who oppose God – Gays, atheists, Democrats, Libertarians, Moderate Republicans, and Canadians. Death from the Sky is one read sure to scare the Hell out of you.” –
-Rev John Hagee, Cornerstone Church, Texas
September 19th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
@Naked Bunny:
My biggest fear: you are a guy…
September 19th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hey, Phil, here’s an idea, send a copy to “Dr” Kent Hovind! I hear he has quite a bit of time to read. Who know, maybe he’ll learn a thing or two. Or pass it on to his cell-mate, Bubba.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
My biggest fear: you are a guy…
*headtilts* Awww. I didn’t realize there was much question about it.
September 19th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
*headtilts* Awww. I didn’t realize there was much question about it.
Wait… no question which way?
If you *are* female and really have a whip, I was part of the California BDSM scene for 10 years.
I’m just sayin’.
Maybe you’re Rebecca Gayheart?
http://www.amazon.com/Whipped-Lauren-Rebecca-Gayheart-Roderick/dp/B000MRNWS8
September 19th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
My biggest fear: you are a guy…
Guy, Gal, Who cares? there’s a person with a whip, what more do you want from life?
September 19th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I’m guessing… some sort of book?
September 19th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
@Naked Bunny – Hmmm, I’m not sure if I need to put my sheets in the wash now…
@Quiet Desperation – part of the Calif. BDSM scene… I’ll be calling you for some tips
@Thomas Siefert – good point! A man with a whip is just as good as a woman with a whip! Which is just as good as a ………. ummmm naked bunny with a whip!
I hope Phil doesn’t read this. You guys and possibly girl, are perverts!
September 19th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
“by Ph.D., Philip Plait”
Amazon thinks your surname is Ph.D.!
Obvious computer Fark up.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Well…the bunny avatar at the Flicker photostream pointed to by my name is a gender-corerct representation, I’m afraid. Hope that doesn’t break any illusions.
I’m also not *really* a bunny.
The rest is true though.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
@Naked…. I checked there and screamed:
“KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNN…… this be true?”
OK, Sheets in laundry….
September 19th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
“Things can only get better” – Brian Cox
September 20th, 2008 at 12:59 am
@Michael L:
Dude, that’s no girl bunny, he’s got a surfers hairdo.
September 20th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Reputable End of the World Scenarios
A new book is in press, and will be released in a month. The author of the BadAstronomy blog, Phil Plait has written “Death From the Skies: These Are the Ways the World Will End!” That’s him, exhibiting typical Ivory Tower Professoria…
September 20th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
[...] As I write this, my book is at 725 overall at Amazon. [...]
September 20th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I covet the object in your grasp.
Mine!
September 21st, 2008 at 12:57 am
@Thomas Seifert:
Oh God, nooooooooooooooooo! How could I be so wrong!?
September 21st, 2008 at 12:58 am
Oops, sorry Thomas, i before e I spelled your name wrong… my bad
September 21st, 2008 at 2:12 am
[...] online) and Jerry Bonnell, apparently no. APOD again published the picture of BA Plait (whose new book is out October 20th) balancing eggs in his kitchen. The kids above show Phil up by balancing eggs [...]
September 21st, 2008 at 4:59 am
@Michael L:
I before E except after C, except in the word: Science
September 21st, 2008 at 5:34 am
I’d say your book is the second-coolest one in that photo, Phil. Number one has to go to that copy of “Watchmen” I spied on your shelf.
I really have to read that again before the movie comes out next year.
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Maybe it’s a puppy?
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:30 am
[...] even commissioned a piece from him for some work we were doing, and I used two of his pieces of art in my book), and then last year he told me he was creating a Hubble documentary. Would I be interested in [...]