Dr. Arno Penzias on "Ideas and Information"

Scientist and writer Dr. Arno Penzias (PEN-zee-us). He won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1978 for his work supporting the big-bang theory of the universe. Now, as vice-president of research at AT&T he's responsible for innovation and risk-taking. Though Penzias is at the forefront of technological development, he remains aware of its human implication. His book, "Ideas and Information" is a crash course on the history of computers and communications-technology and is addressed to the general reader.

New York Times environmental reporter Andrew Revkin has covered climate change and climate politics for 20 years. His new book The North Pole Was Here: Puzzles and Perils at the Top of the World is geared toward young adults.

Sharon Weinberger's new book is Imaginary Weapons: A Journey Through the Pentagon's Scientific Underworld. She looks at some of the wild schemes and fringe science projects under way at the Department of Defense.

Her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Slate and Aviation Week & Space Technology. She's editor-in-chief of Defense Technology International.