Pattern-recognition prowess served our ancestors well, but today we are confronted by a deluge of data that is far more abstract, complicated, and difficult to interpret. The number of possible patterns that can be identified relative to the number that are genuinely useful has grown exponentially - which means that the chances that a discovered pattern is useful is rapidly approaching zero. Patterns in data are often used as evidence, but how can you tell if that evidence is worth believi...

This revised edition of a classic college-level introduction to theology presents the core doctrines of the Christian faith, encouraging readers to connect belief with everyday life. Stanley Grenz, one of the leading evangelical scholars of his era, and Jay Smith, an expert on Grenz's theological legacy, construct a helpful theology that is biblical, historical, and contemporary. The third edition includes a foreword by John Franke, a new preface and afterword, resources for further study,...

In a brilliant, original rendition, Monsters of the Gévaudan revisits a spellbinding French tale that has captivated imaginations for over two hundred years, and offers the definitive explanation of the strange events that underlie this timeless story.In 1764 a peasant girl was killed and partially eaten while tending a flock of sheep. Eventually, over a hundred victims fell prey to a mysterious creature, or creatures, whose cunning and deadly efficiency terrorized the reg...

To most people, he's cold. Aloof. Unreachable.He's the alluring, strange guy with striking features, but endless mystery. His family just relocated to a foreign country. Now he's navigating uncharted territory on top of his demons. He seeks to blend in, avoid drawing attention and speaks very little.Eva is the warm, bubbly neighbour from across the street with a killer smile and undeniable persuasion. From day one, she's enchanted by his presence, yet he seems to live in hi...

Platitudes, cliches and adages are pervasive in almost every part of our everyday lives and in every part of our culture. Every day we either hear them or use them ourselves, often without thinking about them. These "words of wisdom" express our feelings about love, time, money, health, wealth, humor and every aspect of life in general. Usually, they are a shorthand way of expressing an idea. The words used, in most cases, are not meant to be taken literally. Because of their common usage ...

In 2010 allegations of an utterly corrupt academic system for student-athletes emerged from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus, home of the legendary Tar Heels. As the alma mater of Michael Jordan, Larry Brown, Marion Jones, Lawrence Taylor, Rashad McCants, and many others; winner of forty national championships in six different sports; and a partner in one of the best rivalries in sports, UNC–Chapel Hill is a world-famous colossus of college athletics. In the wake of t...

"American Historical and Literary Curiosities: Second Series, Complete" by J. Jay Smith is a fascinating exploration of unique and lesser-known aspects of American history and literature. This work delves into intriguing anecdotes, rare documents, and the lives of notable figures, providing readers with a rich tapestry of cultural insights. Smith's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a treasure trove for history buffs and literary enthusiasts alike, inviting them ...

Give yourself the gift of time—and learn how to utilize it.More and more Americans are choosing to take time off from work to relax or re-examine their priorities, so they can ultimately return to work energized. Some companies offer formal sabbatical programs, but how can the average person take enough time off to evaluate their direction, explore their passions, and make time for the things that are really important?Whether you're burned out in your career,...

J. Jay Smith's "American Historical and Literary Curiosities: Second Series, Complete" serves as a rich tapestry of anecdotes and insights, meticulously weaving together oddities and lesser-known narratives from American history and literature. Smith's engaging prose style blends scholarly rigor with accessible storytelling, making complex historical and literary themes relatable to a broad audience. Through an extensive compilation of curiosities, the book not only illuminates the quirks ...

Set against the very real refugee crisis on the beautiful, sun-drenched Greek islands, Fire on the Island paints a nuanced and loving portrait of a community in crisis while shedding light on the challenges of life in contemporary Greece.After a string of mysterious fires breaks out on a small Greek island, undercover FBI agent Nick Damigos arrives to investigate, showing up just in time to save a beloved truffle-sniffing dog from the most recent inferno. ...

American Historical and Literary Curiosities, Series One invites readers into an intriguing tapestry of the past, woven through a varied collection of historical artifacts and literary expressions. This anthology captures the vibrancy of American historical and literary discourse, showcasing an array of ephemera and manuscripts that offer glimpses into the nation's evolving narrative. The curation traverses a spectrum of styles, from the formal and factual to the more creatively imaginativ...

A Love Affair Inspiring the World's Most Unforgettable OperasExperience the intense, lifelong love affair between Giuseppe Verdi and Giuseppina Strepponi, the brilliant and seductive soprano who shaped his legacy. As his muse, lover, and wife, Strepponi was the inspiration behind Verdi's most iconic works, including La Traviata and Aida. Her influence was pivotal, as she became the architect of his creative triumphs and the heart of his operatic genius.Set ...