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Carmine the Snake
The shocking true story of the most ruthless and deadly mob boss in the annals of the American Mafia. In the golden age of organized crime, Carmine “The Snake” Persico was the King of the Streets. The defacto boss of the Colombo Mafia family since the 1970s, he oversaw gang wars, murders, and major rackets, even from prison. He is suspected of personally murdering as many as 60 people and ordering the hits of hundreds more. Sentenced to 139 years in the fed, he continued to exert power over a vast criminal empire from behind bars. His brutal rise and bloody reign is the stuff of legend. In this blistering street-level account, “Mafia survivor” Frank Dimatteo teams up with true-crime master Michael Benson to take down one of the most notorious figures in the American La Cosa Nostra. This is the real inside story of Carmine “The Snake” Persico, from his crime-filled childhood on the streets of Brooklyn to the long-term jail sentences that didn’t stop him from controlling his criminal empire with the help of his brother, the equally kill-crazy Alphonse "Allie Boy" Persico. His deadly teen years as leader of the fearsome Garfield Boys. His recruitment into the Profaci—later the Colombo—crime family. His bloody betrayal of the Gallo brothers. His role in the hair-raising ambush-slaying of Albert Anastasia—the Lord High Executioner of Murder, Inc.—as he sat in a barbershop chair getting a shave. The terror he struck into the hearts of the New York Mafia’s other families, and even his own crews. And the many courtroom trials where Persico walked after witnesses came down with sudden cases of amnesia Today, Carmine “The Snake” Persico schmoozes with Ponzi king Bernard Madoff behind bars where at age 84 his legend, packed as it is with coldblooded brutality, continues to inspire goodfellas everywhere.
The Impact of AI-Driven Personalized Learning on Mathematics Achievement and Student Engagement in Rural vs. Urban Schools in Karnataka, India
This empirical study examines the impact of AI-driven personalized learning platforms on mathematics achievement and student engagement among middle school students in rural and urban schools in Karnataka, India. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the study involved 400 students (200 rural, 200 urban), split into control and experimental groups. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted using standardized mathematics tests, engagement surveys, classroom observations, and AI platform analytics. Results showed significant improvements in post-test scores for the experimental groups using AI platforms compared to control groups in both settings (p < 0.001). Specifically, rural experimental group scores improved from a pre-test mean of 62.5 to a post-test mean of 78.3, while urban experimental group scores increased from 68.2 to 83.9. Engagement levels were also higher in experimental groups, with rural students scoring 78.5 on engagement surveys compared to 65.2 in the control group, and urban students scoring 82.1 compared to 69.8. However, rural schools reported greater challenges in implementation, including inadequate internet connectivity (78% vs. 32%, p < 0.001) and lack of devices (65% vs. 28%, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that while AI-driven platforms significantly enhance educational outcomes, tailored strategies are necessary to address the distinct challenges faced by rural schools. Recommendations include improving rural infrastructure, expanding teacher training, and fostering supportive environments to maximize the benefits of AI-driven personalized learning.
Lord High Executioner
The bloodsoaked saga of the Murder, Inc. legend who helped create the modern American Mafia—one body at a time—featuring shocking eyewitness accounts . . . Umberto “Albert” Anastasia was born in Italy at the turn of the century. Five decades later, he would be gunned down in a barber shop in New York City. What happened in the years in between—and why every crime family had reason to want him dead—is one of the most brutal and fascinating stories in the history of American organized crime. This in-depth account of the man who became one of the most powerful and homicidal crime bosses of the twentieth century from Mafia insider and co-author Frank Dimatteo is the first full-length book to chronicle Anastasia’s bloody rise from fresh-off-the-boat immigrant to founder of the notorious killer’s club Murder, Inc.—featuring never-before-told accounts from those who feared him most . . . They called him “The One Man Army.” “Mad Hatter.” “Lord High Executioner.” Albert Anastasia came to America mean and became a prolific killer. His merciless assassination of Mafia godfather Vincent Mangano is recounted here in chilling first-hand detail. He set the record: the first man in the history of American justice to be charged with four separate murders—and walk free after each one. But in the end, he was the last obstacle in rival Mafia hoodlum Vito Genovese’s dream of becoming the boss of bosses—and paid the ultimate price . . .
IMPACT OF A PERSONALIZED WELLNESS EXERCISE PROGRAM ON PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH IN MIDDLE-AGED MEN: THE EMPIRICAL STUDY
This study examined the effects of a personalized wellness exercise program on the physical and psychological health of middle-aged men (ages 45-60) over one year. The program, which included aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises, was designed to improve physical fitness, reduce chronic disease risk factors, and enhance psychological well-being. Baseline assessments revealed mean cardiovascular endurance (VO2 max) of 46.8 ml/kg/min, muscle strength (1RM) of 80.1 kg, flexibility (sit and reach) of 34.5 cm, balance (single-leg stance) of 40 seconds, and body fat percentage of 19.2%. Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group compared to controls: VO2 max increased to 56.2 ml/kg/min (p < 0.001), 1RM to 93.7 kg (p < 0.001), flexibility to 41.2 cm (p < 0.001), and balance to 47.8 seconds (p < 0.001). Health risk factors, including BMI (reduced from 26.1 to 24.8 kg/m²), blood pressure (reduced from 130/85 to 120/78 mmHg), and cholesterol (reduced from 220 to 190 mg/dL), also showed significant improvements (p < 0.001 for all). Psychological assessments showed reductions in depression (HADS scores decreased from 13.4 to 9.4) and anxiety (HADS scores decreased from 11.4 to 7.4), improved mood (POMS scores increased from 45.1 to 51.1), and enhanced cognitive function (MMSE scores increased from 29.0 to 31.0) (p < 0.001 for all). Adherence rates increased, with participants averaging 6.3 hours of exercise per week by the end of the study. These findings underscore the effectiveness of personalized exercise programs in improving physical and mental health outcomes in middle-aged men.
Mistborn: Secret History
Note: This novella is included in Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection, now available in print, ebook, and audiobook from Tor (US/Canada) and Gollancz (UK/Commonwealth).Mistborn: Secret History is a companion story to the original Mistborn Trilogy.As such, it contains huge spoilers for the books Mistborn (The Final Empire), The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages. It also contains very minor spoilers for the book The Bands of Mourning.Mistborn: Secret History builds upon the characterization, events, and worldbuilding of the original trilogy. Reading it without that background will be a confusing process at best.In short, this isn’t the place to start your journey into Mistborn. (Though if you have read the trilogy—but it has been a while—you should be just fine, so long as you remember the characters and the general plot of the books.)Saying anything more here risks revealing too much. Even knowledge of this story’s existence is, in a way, a spoiler.There’s always another secret.
Abnormal Psychology: Theories, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Welcome to Abnormal Psychology: Theories, Diagnosis, and Treatment. This book aims to provide a thorough exploration of the field of abnormal psychology, offering both foundational knowledge and cutting-edge insights for students, professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of mental health disorders. Abnormal psychology is a multifaceted discipline concerned with the study of unusual patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion that may indicate the presence of a psychological disorder. It is a field that bridges various perspectives, from biological and psychological theories to social and cultural influences. As our understanding of mental health continues to evolve, this book seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current theories, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approaches, integrating the latest research and clinical practices. The journey through this book will guide you through the historical development of abnormal psychology, explore major theoretical perspectives, and delve into the nuances of various psychological disorders. We will examine mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and more, providing a balanced view of each through both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. One of the primary goals of this book is to bridge the gap between theory and practice. By including case studies and real-world applications, we aim to illustrate how theoretical models translate into clinical settings and how they can inform effective treatment strategies. Our approach is designed to facilitate a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health disorders and the diverse methods used to address them. I would like to express my gratitude to the many scholars, practitioners, and researchers who have contributed to the field of abnormal psychology. Their work has been instrumental in shaping our current understanding and has provided invaluable insights that have informed this book. Special thanks are due to my colleagues and mentors who have offered guidance and support throughout this project. As you explore the contents of this book, I hope you find it to be a valuable resource that enhances your knowledge and understanding of abnormal psychology. Whether you are a student embarking on a journey into this fascinating field or a seasoned professional seeking to update your knowledge, this book is intended to be a comprehensive and accessible guide. Thank you for joining me on this journey through the complexities of abnormal psychology. May this exploration deepen your appreciation for the intricacies of the human mind and the profound impact that understanding mental health disorders can have on individuals and society.
Elantris
Elantris was built on magic and it thrived. But then the magic began to fade and Elantris began to rot. And now its shattered citizens face domination by a powerful Imperium motivated by dogged religious views. Can a young Princess unite the people of Elantris, rediscover the lost magic and lead a rebellion against the imperial zealots? Brandon Sanderson's debut fantasy showed his skill as a storyteller and an imaginer of baroque magical systems to be fully developed from the start.
Warbreaker
THE INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON BEHIND THE COSMERE A STANDALONE COSMERE ADVENTURE WITH MAGIC AS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN IT****A story of two sisters, who just so happen to be princesses.A story about two gods, one a God King and one lesser.A story about an immortal trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.Meet WARBREAKER.This is a story of two sisters - who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, a lesser god, and an immortal trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.Theirs is a world in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren's capital city. A world transformed by BioChromatic magic, a power based on an essence known as breath. Using magic is arduous: breath can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people.But the rewards are great: by using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be performed.****SANDERSON THE EPIC FANTASY TITAN:'Exceptional tale of magic, mystery and the politics of divinity'MICHAEL MOORCOCK'A powerful stand-alone tale of unpredictable loyalties, dark intrigue and dangerous magic'PUBLISHERS WEEKLY'Sanderson is astonishingly wise'ORSON SCOTT CARD'Epic in every sense'GUARDIAN
Mistborn
THE INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON BEHIND THE COSMERE **** What if the Dark Lord won? A thousand years ago evil came to the land and has ruled with an iron hand ever since. The sun shines fitfully under clouds of ash that float down endlessly from the constant eruption of volcanoes. A dark lord rules through the aristocratic families and ordinary folk are condemned to lives in servitude, sold as goods, labouring in the ash fields. But now a troublemaker has arrived and there is rumour of revolt. A revolt that depends on a criminal no-one can trust and a young girl who must master Allomancy - the magic that lies in all metals. **** FANTASY DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN SANDERSON: 'Highly recommend to anyone hungry for a good read' ROBIN HOBB 'Epic in every sense' GUARDIAN 'Sanderson is the most immersive fantasy writer I've ever encountered' BEN AARONOVITCH 'All the explosive action any adventure fan could want' LOCUS
Mistborn Trilogy Boxed Set
A boxed set of the landmark fantasy from Brandon Sanderson, the man credited with breathing fresh life into Robert Jordan's WHEEL OF TIME.An epic fantasy set in a world where the Dark Lord has gained dominion over the world.A world of ash and pain. A world subjugated. But a world where magic can be drawn from metals. A world waiting for a new heroine, a new hope.A word of mouth bestseller in the USA Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy have now become a massive hit in the UK, introducing readers to the work of one of the genre's great talents. A master of world building, sweeping plots, believable characters and engrossing magic systems.
Three Fantasies - Tales from the Cosmere
From the bestselling author who completed Robert Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series, here are three standalone stories, all set in his overarching 'Cosmere' world - the universe which connects the Mistborn books with the Stormlight Archive!ELANTRIS was built on magic and it thrived. But then the magic began to fade and Elantris began to rot. And now its shattered citizens face domination by a powerful Imperium motivated by dogged religious views. Can a young Princess unite the people of Elantris, rediscover the lost magic and lead a rebellion against the imperial zealots? THE EMPEROR'S SOUL - Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Though condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor's sceptre, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Despite the fact that her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead from the attack of assassins. Skillfully deducing the machinations of her captors, Shai needs a perfect plan to escape. The fate of the empire lies in one impossible task. Is it possible to create a forgery of a soul so convincing that it is better than the soul itself? WARBREAKER is the story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, a lesser god, and an immortal trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago. Theirs is a world in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren's capital city. A world transformed by BioChromatic magic, a power based on an essence known as breath. Using magic is arduous: breath can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people. But the rewards are great: by using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be performed.
The Bands of Mourning
THE INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON BEHIND THE COSMERE 300 YEARS AFTER THE EVENTS OF THE MISTBORN TRILOGY **** A reborn world...The new Mistborn books move the series into a richly imagined 19th century analogue world with elements of the wild west mixed with magic and science. It's a wonderful concoction from a master storyteller.Sanderson has the knack of giving the epic fantasy reader exactly what they want. This ability has thrown him to the forefront of the genre and this novel will take him to the next level.**** FANTASY DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN SANDERSON: 'Highly recommend to anyone hungry for a good read' ROBIN HOBB 'Epic in every sense' GUARDIAN 'Sanderson is the most immersive fantasy writer I've ever encountered' BEN AARONOVITCH 'All the explosive action any adventure fan could want' LOCUS