Airborn, by Kenneth Oppel

The best way to get kids interested in reading is to hand them a book that keeps them interested. Sound simplistic? Then why do we keep foisting “classics” on them that make even the heartiest adult reader nod off?

Oppel creates a swashbuckling adventure combining (take a deep breath): alternate reality, giant balloon airships, pirates, and flying creatures known as “cloud cats.” A total page-turner, the author even manages to work in some romance.
 

Labeled as “teen” or “young adult,” it’s actually a fun read at any age. For good measure, pick up the sequels, Skybreaker and Starclimber.

Rendezvous With Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke

This is the book that lit the writing fire inside me while attending Jefferson Junior High.
 

Clarke's tale - barely 200 pages long, a great lesson on conservation of words - details humankind’s first encounter with an alien vessel, code-named Rama. It’s massive, and barreling through our solar system. An Earth crew barely has time to rendezvous, get inside, and explore, before Rama rockets around the sun and disappears forever.

Far from a dead ship, it mysteriously comes alive, creating more questions than answers, about the aliens and about ourselves.

I still credit Rama with the best final sentence ever.

NOVA: Venom, Nature's Killer

We have an innate fear of creepy-crawly things - like spiders and scorpions - and slithering nightmares hiding in the tall grass. But it’s fascinating to discover how poisonous snakes, deadly lizards, and other toxic creatures also have the power to save lives.

NOVA’s team investigates the world of venom. Granted, if you’re squeamish about these critters, you might watch with a grimace on your face. But the science is remarkable.

What’s most interesting are the transitions, such as killer rattlesnake venom saving the life of a heart attack victim. The potential for cancer victims, diabetes sufferers, etc, is enormous.

Infinity Elephants, with Vi Hart

It’s one of her most popular online entries, but the fact is that Vi Hart created an entire video industry out of two things: math and doodling.

Still in her early 20s (as of this writing, anyway), Hart captivates us using only a notebook and her pencil-wielding hand. Her narration is rapid-fire, but somehow hypnotic.

The goal is to make math cool, and I’m happy to report that she succeeds. Not only cool, but fun and engaging. That’s how video goes viral.

Vi has now melded into the world of Khan Academy, which is a perfect fit.

Ringside

I was told that Pandora is dangerous because you start buying lots of the music you hear. No problem; I like supporting interesting artists.

It took one listen to one song by Southern California band Ringside, and they’ve now sold half a dozen tracks to this guy in Colorado. That first song was Struggle, but Tired of Being Sorry is just as impressive.

Essentially a two-man band, Scott Thomas and Balthazar Getty create smooth, punchy indie-rock-pop that has shown up on a television commercial and in the movie Magic Mike. They deserve to hit it big.