On Intelligence is a must-read book for anyone interested in examining the real future of artificial intelligence. This book is an exciting read because Jeff Hawkins (the author and the creator of the PalmPilot) has spent considerable time ‘thinking about thinking.’  His basic premise is that to build truly intelligent machines an understanding of our own human intelligence is essential.  Hawkins has struck some chords through this work.  For one, this neurophysiological subject has been a great debate topic within our local science community and has led to serious questions about the future of man and machine. Secondly, this book has inspired me and others to seek out entrepreneurial venues that benefit the field of science, the individual and the world at large by looking inwards (to the brain) and outwards (to the tech environment).  In short, this book provides a unique angle to explain the connection between true and artificial intelligence and also reminds us that we still have a long way to go in understanding the link between the two.

Chinki Bhatia is a 4th-year PhD candidate in the Dept. of Pharmacodynamics, Class of 2004.

A Guide Book of United States Coins—more commonly called the Red Book—is the quintessential basic numismatic reference work. This particular Red Book is significant because it’s a 2008 Special Edition from the American Numismatic Association (the world’s largest numismatic club).  My membership in the ANA has catalyzed my passion for the hobby.  Enthusiasm for numismatics was one reason I was chosen as the 2003 Young Numismatist of the Year, awarded the 2007 Glenn B. Smedley Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, selected as a National Volunteer and appointed Chair of the ANA’s Young Numismatist and Scout Committee. A Red Book and a membership in the ANA should be the very first purchases made by any budding collector—these are items which will spark your passion!


100 Greatest U.S. Coins ~ Jeff Garrett & Ron Guth

100 Greatest U.S. Coins is a book which showcases the excitement, intrigue, history and beauty of the hobby of numismatics.  The coins which grace its pages are the stuff of every collector’s dreams.  Just as reading the legends of heroes educates and inspires children to achieve greater goals, dedicated numismatists who read the stories behind the coins are educated and inspired to pursue the hobby more passionately.  To me every coin is the greatest coin, because the mystical spell of coins has always stimulated not only my love of collecting but also my lifelong love of reading and acquiring knowledge.

Jeffrey Swindling is a UF John V. Lombardi Scholar currently in his third year of the Doctor of Pharmacy Program.