The Randomness of Life

Barranquitas, Venezuela is real. Nearly half of its population has inherited a malicious, mutated gene that causes a deadly neurological disease. Marina Valdesa, age 36, lies dying in a Casa Hogar Amor y Fe, or House of Love and Hope. Her nine children will be orphaned and may inherit the same fate as their mother. Daniel, a 39-year-old nursing home resident outside Chicago shares Marina's deadly diagnosis as researchers in academia and industry attempt relentlessly to discover a cure. Their mutual plight is one of mystery, devastation, hope and soul searching. The quality of their lives gets microscoped just like their diminishing brain cells. Marina's 18-year-old daughter Tula, escapes her homeland and accompanies an American volunteer to Chicago to participate in a clinical trial at a leading University Hospital. As Tula is introduced to the latest pharmaceutical attempts and research studies to eradicate the loss of our minds and bodily functions we learn through other characters that salvation arrives from unconditional love. In a world that advocates the benefits of Omega III, fish oil, salmon and blueberries, we cannot put off death. We learn to experience healing without a cure and relief in the face of suffering. The Randomness of Life is a compassionate portrayal of some of life's real heroes and their families. Author Bio: Marilyn Warda, a Northwest Indiana native is a medical practice manager now working in Southwest Arizona. She has experienced the trials for caring for those suffering from debilitating neurological disease. Marilyn has a BA degree from Purdue University where she majored in communications and journalism. In her debut novel, The Randomness of Life, she allows the reader to see themselves in every chapter and face the ultimate of one's fears. keywords: Quality of Life, Hope, Alzheimer's, Gene Silencing, Heroes, Clinical Trials, Human Genome Project, Huntington's Disease, Nursing Homes, Medical Research, Pharmaceutical Advances, Death, Soul Searching

Politics & Social Sciences

Warda, Marilyn

Sociology

First Edition Design

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Diseases & Physical Ailments

The Manumission of Ezra McIntosh is a historical novel depicting the evolution of the relationship of a Missouri slave (who would have his freedom) and his indulgent master (who would hold him to his services). The runaway of a prominent Missouri family, Ezra McIntosh is recaptured and acquired by his master's son, a Lieutenant in the United States Cavalry. Out of compassion, the Lieutenant elevates him to the status of a personal servant and returns with him to his duty post in Texas. Ezra proves to be a loyal and dependable servant but, at the outset of the Civil War, the Lieutenant resigns his commission rather than take up arms against the South. They return to Missouri where, with the Lieutenant's consent, Ezra meets and marries a family servant. As the war escalates, civil atrocities mount in Missouri and the Lieutenant joins the Confederate Army. He desires that Ezra accompany him into the field but, since Ezra is now a married father, offers him the option to remain at home as a field hand. Reluctantly, but out of gratitude for the Lieutenant's past kindnesses, Ezra joins him and the two are sent to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Ezra's service at Vicksburg is faultless but, upon its surrender, the Federal authorities decree that all slaves within the City are emancipated. Relying on the Federal decrees, Ezra asserts his freedom but is reminded that he is still a slave in Missouri and elsewhere throughout the South. Author Bio: James Herd is a native of the State of Missouri, the Author received a Bachelor's Degree in Government from the University of St. Louis in 1954. Immediately following his graduation, he was inducted into the United States Army, serving a tour of duty with the 510th Tank Battalion in Mannheim, Germany. Then, released overseas, he briefly attended the University of Innsbruck, Austria before returning to the States to study law. In 1959, he received a law degree from St. Louis University and was immediately admitted to the Missouri Bar and the Federal Bar for the Eastern District of Missouri. For the next 50 years, he served as a trial lawyer in both civil and criminal cases until his retirement from practice. Throughout his lifetime, he has remained fascinated by the historical, political, and moral issues spawned by the American Civil Way and, in particular, by Missouri's bitter role in that history. An outdoorsman, he is now retired to his family's farm in Northeast Missouri which he shares with a cat, two horses, a mule and a renegade dog named "Boots". When not entertaining family or friends and not engaged in farm related activities, he avidly studies the mounds of information stockpiled in his ever expanding Civil War Library. The Manumission of Ezra McIntosh is a product of his fascination and study. keywords: Civil War, Slavery, Freedom, Confederacy, History, War, Conflict, America, American History, Black History

The Manumission of Ezra McIntosh

Literature & Fiction

Herd, James B.

Genre Fiction

This guide is useful whether you are traveling to Israel with a group or studying about Israel in your home. It is filled with practical information that will enhance your tour experience and deepen your personal knowledge of the Land of the Bible and Bible times. It is designed to help both young and mature Christ-followers to grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures. But it can be used by anyone interested in knowing more about Israel, Christ-follower or not. There are a variety of maps and personal photos in this guide. Many of the maps I created with Accordance Software, which will be consistent throughout the guide. The maps and photos will help you to visualize the topic or land area you are reading about. There is a list of the major sites in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt in alphabetical order. There is also a Quick Bible Reference Guide to assist you in finding more Scriptures about various sites in the Holy Land. Many people who travel to Israel wonder about communicating with the locals on their trip. This is a problem that you will hardly ever experience on a tour. However, to get a feel for the language, there is a section of important words, phrases, and prayers that will be helpful on your trip. I have included a section on terminology--a glossary of common words, names, and events found in the Bible and in history. There are biographies of many important historical and biblical characters. Learning about them in advance will enhance your time in Israel. They will 'come alive' as you see them in the context of their time. Finally, to organize the material, I have divided this guide into three sections: •Section I: Getting Ready for the Trip •Section II: Getting Acquainted with the Holy Land •Section III: Additional Reference Material. I have told the many guests on my tours that with just a ten-day trip to the Holy Land, they will know as much or more Bible History and Geography than most first year Bible College students. I believe this to be true. When you can put the events, places, and characters of the Bible in their context, it really comes alive. You will never read your Bible the same again! Happy traveling, everyone! Author Bio: Pastor Rick was born in Arizona and raised in Southern California. He is an alumnus of San Diego State University, West Coast Christian College, Melodyland School of Theology, and California Graduate School of Theology. Rick has served the Christian community as pastor, missionary, and conference speaker. He is the founding pastor of Hillside Community Church in Julian, California where he now serves as senior pastor. He is married to Janet, his wife of 35 years. keywords: Christian, Israel, Tours, Holy Land, Travel, Jesus, God, Guides, Religion, Bible

Let's Go to Israel; A Christian Guide to the Holy Land

Religion & Spirituality

Hill, Rick

Christian Books & Bibles

The Death of Detroit

In 1950, Detroit was one of the wealthiest cities in America. These days, it's one of the poorest. Over the past sixty years, the Motor City  has lost more than half of its population. As the former "Paris of the West" slowly began to break down, many observers were left scratching their heads: what went wrong? The Death of Detroit tackles the question head-on, and the answer suggests that it could be coming to a city near you.

History

Greenup, Daniel

Americas

Over the past sixty years, Detroit has lost over half of its population. In fact, the Motor City is the lone American metropolis to have boasted well over one million residents, only to lose that distinction in spectacular fashion. As the former "Paris of the West" became a ghost town, many observers were left scratching their heads: what caused this mass exodus? The Death of Detroit tackles the question head-on, and the answer suggests that it could be coming to a city near you.

Ten thousand waves is a true-life story of a surfer named Doug Grummons. The author takes us on a journey backwards to the very first wave he ever stood up on. From that very first wave onwards he takes a slightly different path. Finding spirituality in many different forms. From a spiritual encounter on top of a mountain that left him amazed. Doug uses stories from his life as a Surfer, Snowboarder, Skydiver and Aikidoist to bring us many insights. Giving us Insights and explaining who we are and why we are here living on this beautiful planet. As a surfer who meditates and studies the ways of the east Doug lays out the basics of eastern thought in easy to understand explanations. Then he takes Zen into new territory in what he calls Extreme Zen.   Discovered one day while skydiving Doug coined the term to describe the experience of bringing mind, heart, soul and body together in all of his passions. This autobiography of thrill seeking adventures is divided into seven chapters. He kept the book short and to the point so the reader would not lose interest also seven is a mystical number. The seven chapters represent the seven energy centers in the human body.  Author Bio: Douglas Grummons was born an Air Force Sergeants son, who followed his father's footsteps by joining the Air Force himself. While in the Air Force he picked up martial arts training at every base he was stationed. It was from his martial art training when he first discovered the ways of the east.  After his Honorable discharge from the service he picked up surfing as well as many other passions. all his passions stem from meditation he developed Extreme Zen. An advanced form of meditation first experienced while skydiving.  keywords: Surfing, Snowboarding, Skateboarding, Skydiving, Zen, Tantra, Meditation, Extreme Zen, Adventure, Love, Humor

Ten Thousand Waves

Grummons, Douglas

Biographies & Memoirs

The Lost Mandate is a clarion call to the Church for Christ-followers to man the battle stations to carry out this specific yet neglected commission of Christ as recorded in Luke 14:12-24. This is gut level, non-glamorous social and spiritual justice of the scary and lowly kind. Readers are dared to respond if they are willing to learn of the cost, to count the cost, and to pay the cost by joining Christ in fulfilling The Lost Mandate in reaching the world's 1 billion people and their families who are affected by disability, the largest under-reached grouping of people in the world. Surprisingly, the larger context to this mandate demonstrates how our weaknesses are God's opportunity to bring the Gospel powerfully and effectively to an increasingly skeptical and disbelieving world, and how our own religious attitudes stand in the way of ministry to the marginalized. Woven into the text are vignettes from the author's incredible life story about the redemption of God through loss, pain,

The Lost Mandate

Markham, Dan'l C.

The Apostle Paul has told us, "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" (1 Cor. 14:33). And James, the brother of the Lord, has counseled, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" (James 3:16). After over thirty years of dedicated service in the Mormon Church, I came to know the true details of the doctrines of polygamy, polyandry, blood atonement, exaltation (to become a God), and lying for the Lord. In the depths of my depression, I could only be comforted by the words of the Master Himself: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) My devotion to the Lord has become deeper, more personal, and unrestrained through a renewed appreciation of His true sacrifice for me. This demanding but spectacular gift of clarity is possible only because I no longer worship Him from behind the dark shadows of corrupt men, who have in the past and continue yet today to disgrace His ministry and His authority. Research for yourself each and every reference, every Scripture, and every Mormon doctrine described here, for what you learn may change your life forever. As you consider the information presented in this book, I would ask you to accept the same excellent challenge given by each pair of Mormon missionaries. It is a challenge to honesty and integrity that I have offered many times myself as a Mormon Bishop: "read, study, ponder, and pray" about what you may learn here. I pray that the Holy Sprit of truth will inspire you to act, without reservation and without consideration of tradition, family, or embarrassment, upon what He may witness to your heart. May God bless you for your efforts to seek His truth, because the truth matters. Lee B. Baker Former Mormon Bishop and High Priest

Mormonism; A Life Under False Pretenses

Baker, Lee B.

World

MSP Detective Reed Sanderson is put in charge of a homicide task force in an attempt to solve a series of baffling deaths in the Pine Tree State. Because these deaths are seemingly without motive, he must determine if these are homicides before he can attempt to find the perpetrator. After he unlocks the mystery, he is confronted with a challenge more sinister; the abduction of his teen-aged son. Rick Simonds is known on many fronts. Blood Sport is his second novel after his breakout novel Blood Code was published in 2011. In addition to being an English and Creative Writing teacher at the high school level he also serves as the color commentator for the NBA D league, Maine Red Claws on WJAB radio and Time Warner television broadcasts. He has written weekly newspaper columns as well as been a columnist and feature writer for various magazines. For 24 years he served as a college and professional basketball coach and has been inducted into three athletic Hall of Fames. He currently resides in Maine.

Blood Sport

Simonds, Rick

True Crime

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the First Edition Design publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by First Edition Design

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the First Edition Design publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Randomness of Life

The Randomness of Life

The Manumission of Ezra McIntosh

Let's Go to Israel; A Christian Guide to the Holy Land

The Death of Detroit

The Death of Detroit

Ten Thousand Waves

The Lost Mandate

Mormonism; A Life Under False Pretenses

Blood Sport