Who speaks for science in a technologically dominated society? In his latest work of cultural criticism Andrew Ross contends that this question yields no simple or easy answer. In our present technoculture a wide variety of people, both inside and outside the scientific community, have become increasingly vocal in exercising their right to speak about, on behalf of, and often against, science and technology. Arguing that science can only ever be understood as a social artifact, Strange Weather is a manifesto which calls on cultural critics to abandon their technophobia and contribute to the debates which shape our future. Each chapter focuses on an idea, a practice or community that has established an influential presence in our culture: New Age, computer hacking, cyberpunk, futurology, and global warming. In a book brimming over with intelligence—both human and electronic—Ross examines the state of scientific countercultures in an age when the development of advanced information technologies coexists uneasily with ecological warnings about the perils of unchecked growth. Intended as a contribution to a “green” cultural criticism, Strange Weather is a provocative investigation of the ways in which science is shaping the popular imagination of today, and delimiting the possibilities of tomorrow.

"Captain James Montgomery, a British soldier in India, is lost in a forest trying to come to terms with the aftermath of the bloody revolution of 1857, when he has the strangest encounter with a bewitching woman, leaving him oddly shattered. More than a century later, Professor Singh, known for his strange public views on the occult goes missing. The last person to see him claims that the professor disappeared into thin air. Sita and Aron, two young journalists, are tasked with finding the truth by their over-zealous boss. Buried secrets and forgotten demons emerge, when they come across an old journal that may hold the clue to Prof. Singh’s disappearance. The frayed journal is the account of an English soldier, Captain Montgomery whose life takes the strangest turns. Is it the rantings of a mad- man or is it a true account holding the key to Prof. Singh’s disappearance? The journal has so far been in the hands of Prof. Singh’s favourite student – Prof. Mukul Phadnis who too has secrets to hide. Each must fight their own demons as they unconsciously get engulfed in a web of love, betrayal and terror that is part of Captain Montgomery’s life. He eventually rediscovers the magic that went missing from his life. But, does this magic come at a price for Aron, Sita and Mukul? "

Shortlisted for the 2013 Man Asian Literary Prize, Strange Weather in Tokyo is a story of loneliness and love that defies age. Tsukiko, thirty–eight, works in an office and lives alone. One night, she happens to meet one of her former high school teachers, "Sensei," in a local bar. Tsukiko had only ever called him "Sensei" ("Teacher"). He is thirty years her senior, retired, and presumably a widower. Their relationship develops from a perfunctory acknowledgment of each other as they eat and drink alone at the bar, to a hesitant intimacy which tilts awkwardly and poignantly into love. As Tsukiko and Sensei grow to know and love one another, time's passing is marked by Kawakami's gentle hints at the changing seasons: from warm sake to chilled beer, from the buds on the trees to the blooming of the cherry blossoms. Strange Weather in Tokyo is a moving, funny, and immersive tale of modern Japan and old–fashioned romance.

Weather changes from day to day, but sometimes it may change in an odd or unbelievable way. Readers will love learning about the weird weather that happens all around the world.

""Find out about snow donuts, mirages, hailstones and other weird weather events"--

This volume presents a unique interdisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise in both the natural and social sciences. A primary goal is to present a scientific and socially integrated perspective on place-based community engagement, extreme weather, and health. Each year extreme weather is leading to natural disasters around the world and exerting huge social and health costs. The International Monetary Fund (2012) estimates that since 2010, 700 worldwide natural disasters have affected more than 450 million people around the globe. The best coping strategy for extreme weather and environmental change is a strong offense. Communities armed with a spatial understanding of their resources, risks, strengths, weaknesses, community capabilities, and social networks will have the best chance of reducing losses and achieving a better outcome when extreme weather and disaster strikes.