Single Malt Whisky


Book Description

A follow-up to his bestselling American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye: A Guide to the Nation's Favorite Spirit, Clay Risen's Single Malt is an introduction to the long history, fascinating science, and incredible diversity of malted whisky, as well as a practical drinker's guide to buying and enjoying hundreds of the greatest examples of the distiller's tradition. With maps of essential whisky regions of Scotland, profiles of each of the makers, and photographs of the bottles and tasting notes for each of the most widely available expressions--compiled from tasting sessions conducted by a panel of leading whisky experts--readers will discover a rich vein of knowledge about one of the world's most storied beverages. Selected from more than one hundred active distilleries in Scotland, the 330 expressions featured in this book provide a curated yet comprehensive primer of the single-malt whiskies any growing aficionado should be familiar with. Additional features include a directory of distilleries, Risen's top whisky picks in various categories, and a full index of the expressions featured in the book.




War Against Islam


Book Description

This novel is a fictional depiction of the rise of a right-wing Presidential candidate who wins the 2008 election, takes measures to reduce American dependence on Middle Eastern oil and then wages unfettered war on Islamic nations. The story weaves imagination and reality. There are many references to current and historical events. The principal characters resemble actual politicians and world leaders. Astute readers will be able to make the necessary connections, if they so wish. Nonetheless, the fictional equivalents are probably more extreme than similar figures in the real world. Accomplished authors of political thrillers, as well as television shows such as 24, usually venture to the brink then retract. This book goes beyond the precipice, that's what makes it unique.




Autism and The Predictive Brain


Book Description

What if our previous teachings and beliefs regarding processing stimuli, reading emotions and understanding human behaviour is all untrue? In this book, Peter Vermeulen investigates new findings on the predictive brain and what these insights mean for autism and current interventions. Recent research has shown that the classic ideas about how the human brain first needs to process incoming information about the world before it can react are no longer tenable. Rather, to survive in the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment of modern society, what we need is a brain that predicts the world quickly and unconsciously, while taking proper account of the context. This book explains the new theories relating to the predictive brain, summarising some of the more recent highly technical research studies about the predictive mind and autism into as accessible and understandable language as possible. Shedding new light on the predictive brain and its relation to autism, the chapters lead readers to the inevitable conclusion that many of the current interventions used in connection with autism urgently need updating and outline possibilities for revising. This approachable book synthesises advanced research for professionals across disciplines working with people with autism spectrum disorder along with readers who have or have family members with ASD.




Whisky, it's not rocket science


Book Description

Life is complicated. Whisky doesn't have to be! Whisky: It's Not Rocket Science is the ultimate guide to one of the world's most popular spirits. Whether you're a novice looking to build your whisky bar, or a seasoned whisky-drinker who'd like to know more about what's in your glass, Whisky: It's Not Rocket Science is bursting with information, accompanied throughout by colourful infographics. Learn about... - how whisky is made - how to taste - visiting a distillery - flavor profiles - cocktails - world whiskies ...and so much more




Wine Isn't Rocket Science


Book Description

This fully illustrated and highly informative guide is an exciting introduction to the world of wine for anyone who has ever wanted to learn but didn't know where to begin. Rocket science is complicated, wine doesn't have to be! With information presented in an easy, illustrated style, and chock-full of the fool-proof and reliable knowledge of a seasoned oenophile, Wine Isn't Rocket Science is the guide you always wished existed. From how grapes are grown, harvested and turned into wine, to judging the color, aroma, and taste of the world's most popular varietals (wine made from a particular grape), to understanding terroir and feeling confident ordering and serving wine at any occasion, this book explains it all in the simplest possible way. Every page, every piece of information, and every detail is illustrated in charming and informative four-color drawings that explain concepts at a glance. Includes detailed information on a vast array of varietals that will help transform a beginner into a connoisseur.




Charisma


Book Description

In the aftermath of a violent incident and near-death experience, Sarah Lange is plagued by heavenly voices and dogged by a desire to return “home.” Frightened by her desire to terminate her existence on earth, she checks into a trauma center in Malibu, California, and meets Dr. David Sutton, an intellectual, scientist, reductionist, and someone who believes in nothing beyond his immediate experience. David’s world is as divorced from mystery and magic as Sarah’s is alive with and animated by it. Their sessions open up a dialogue about the separation of worlds—one easily defined and explained and one unknowable and waiting on the other side of human experience. Even as his faith in his profession fades, David struggles to bring his disturbed patient back to the real world. In a desperate effort to define herself, Sarah “escapes,” and David must decide how far he is willing to go to save a patient, and ultimately, himself.




Maximum Sail Power


Book Description

The art, science, history, and mystery of sails and sailmaking. Written in concise, layperson's language and full of photographs and personal anecdotes, this book goes step-by-step through the process of creating and using sails. Provided is a definitive look at the latest developments in sails, sailcloth, engineering, hardware, and sail trim. Also offered are case studies that illustrate which fibers, fabrics, and sails are suitable for a variety of different sailing applications, from simple dinghies and day sailors to offshore racing and cruising yachts. Sailors of all levels of interest and ability will find information they can apply to their own boats and sail choices.




Surplus American


Book Description

The Surplus American considers a future where increasing numbers of Americans will be rendered jobless and redundant. Exploring the ongoing crisis of 'surplus people' today, authors Charles Derber and Yale Magrass show that the jobless are merely the tip of the iceberg. Drawing on the work of economists and highlighting new trends, the book identifies a number of primary groups within the category of 'surplus' including the underemployed, people forcibly removed or induced to leave the labour force and retirees. Derber and Magrass argue that a majority of the US public is now part of the surplus population constituting an integral part of the economy. The authors conclude that these movements will be essential to solving the crisis of surplus people and redirecting the economy in a more positive direction.




When the British Musical Ruled the World


Book Description

For decades, British stage musicals struggled to compete against the dazzling Broadway productions that came roaring in from across the pond. But that tide was turned at last in 1978, when Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of Evita brought the West End back into contention with Broadway. It was just the first of several blockbuster productionsthat helped Britain dominate musical theater all over the world. In this revealing behind-the-scenes narrative, journalist and author Robert Sellers gives a definitive account of how Evita, Cats, Starlight Express, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Chess, and Miss Saigon changed the business of musical theater in the 1980s. These mega productions of the were larger than life, colorful, and spectacular. Sellers collects insightful, personal stories from cast members, set designers, musical supervisors, dancers, lighting designers, production managers, singers, and choreographers from the shows that finally put Broadway on its back foot. He also describes the backstage drama, production nightmares, and financial woes that threatened to derail the shows at multiple points. Whatever obstacles they faced, though, these productions swept the world and transformed the face of musical theater in ways that still resound today.




Not My Grandfather's Wall Street: Diaries of a Derivatives Trader


Book Description

“Not all financial careers are the peachy-keen easy ones. This is an important story that reads more like fact than fiction across the huge exponential growth of derivatives trading and the repeated financial crises of the past 35 years. I was fascinated by all the constant twists and turns, and the characters encountered. Well done!” —Silvio Santini, author of Wall Street Journeyman “There is little doubt that fractal rhythms and cycles exist in markets. In the spirit of the recent popular movie The Forecaster, the author touches upon some of these rhythms through his unique market experiences. A thrilling view from the front lines of markets from the 1980 Hunt Silver Crisis through to the medicated, “Politburo” markets of today.” —Dimitri Chalvatsiotis, Macro Portfolio Manager Follow the path of a numbers-oriented young man through a start-stop career on Wall Street that includes involvement with the 1980 Hunt Silver Crisis, the 1987 Stock Market Crash, the 1999 fall from grace of a guru hedge fund manager, the mysterious death of a famous international banker, life working for a short-crazed global value equity manager, and a path into the world of retail-oriented wealth management. Is it all true? No, but it could be—loosely crafted historical fiction based on an actual career that spanned three decades—a period where derivatives trading went from nonexistent to big business.