This book is the story of Philip Palmedo’s diverse careers. Palmedo graduated from Williams College and earned his Ph.D. at MIT. He carried out research at the French nuclear laboratory, Saclay. He then went to Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he first worked on the physics of nuclear reactors and then on national energy policy. That led in the 1970s to his serving with the Energy Policy Office in the White House. After working on the energy problems of Egypt and Peru for the U.S. State Department, Palmedo started the International Resources Group (IRG), a consulting company to continue his work with developing countries addressing energy and environmental issues. IRG grew rapidly and eventually had an impact in 90 countries. After stepping down from IRG, Palmedo acted as president of two financial management companies, headed a non-profit institute, and served on the boards of two company incubators and several start-up companies. His most recent career is as a writer. He has published many books, several on modern sculpture. One, reflecting a long-term evolution of his thought, is titled Deep Affinities: Art and Science . Palmedo vividly describes his travels through these careers: the challenges; the decision processes; the accomplishments; the people he interacted with; and particularly the pleasures. Certain themes run through the book, such as the incentives and satisfactions of learning, the role of writing in understanding, and the emergence of a personal philosophy. Palmedo once described his various careers to a British friend who said, “You know, in England we would call that a dog’s breakfast of careers.” So that became the title of this book. "Though he modestly ascribes much of his success to "the wonderful parents I had, the luxury that I was born into, and my extraordinary education," his prodigious intellect and curiosity are evident in his writing. The author succinctly explains complex issues, from energy analysis to writing a business plan, in a way that allows readers with no background knowledge to grasp the basics. His gracious acknowledgements of mentors and colleagues, from teachers to nuclear scientists to book editors, are heartfelt. Readers will finish this book feeling they have made a new and fascinating friend. A refreshingly humble account of a successful man's life." ---KIRKUS