You do not question an author who appears on the title page as "T.V.N. Persaud, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., F.R.C.Path. (Lond.), F.F.Path. (R.C.P.I.), F.A.C.O.G.

The broader the topic, the easier it is, not only to fill a book, but to set the bar pretty high for really great stuff.

To me, NASA is kind of the magical kingdom. I was sort of a geek, and you go there, and there are just these wondrously strange things and people.

Many people will find this book disrespectful. There is nothing amusing about being dead, they will say. Ah, but there is.

Softball is the reason Washing Machines and Bleach are so popular. Don't think so? Just ask a softball Mom.

It's this mood, these sentiments - the excitement of exploration and the surprises and delights of travel to foreign locales - that I hope to inspire with this book.

The simplest strategy for bouts of noxious flatus is to not care. Or perhaps to take advantage of a gastroenterologist I know: get a dog. (To blame.)