Emerald Labyrinth

Emerald Labyrinth is a scientist and adventurer's chronicle of years exploring the rainforests of sub-Saharan Africa. The richly varied habitats of the Democratic Republic of the Congo offer a wealth of animal, plant, chemical, and medical discoveries. But the country also has a deeply troubled colonial past and a complicated political present. Author Eli Greenbaum is a leading expert in sub-Saharan herpetology - snakes, lizards, and frogs - who brings a sense of wonder to the question of how science works in the twenty-first century. Along the way he comes face to face with spitting cobras, silverback mountain gorillas, wild elephants, and the teenaged armies of AK-47-toting fighters engaged in the continent's longest-running war. As a bellwether of the climate and biodiversity crises now facing the planet, the Congo holds the key to our planet's future. Writing in the tradition of books like The Lost City of Z, Greenbaum seeks out the creatures struggling to survive in a war-torn, environmentally threatened country. Emerald Labyrinth is an extraordinary book about the enormous challenges and hard-won satisfactions of doing science in one of the least known, least hospitable places on earth.

The bloody mutiny was a success, and Long John is now in command of the Neptune. Following their native guide, the survivors find the mouth of the Amazon and sail on towards Guiana-Capac. But after the dangers of the open ocean, it’s the unknown terrors of the jungle they must now face ̶̶̶ with a damaged ship and a reduced crew. To what doom will the lush labyrinth of the Amazon lead Long John, Lady Vivian and Dr Livesey?

Following on from the enormous success of his bestseller, The Secret Life of Bletchley Park, renowned author Sinclair McKay uncovers the story of what happened after the end of the Second World War. Once victory was declared, many of the individuals who had achieved the seemingly impossible at Bletchley Park by cracking the impenetrable Enigma codes and giving the Allies an invaluable insight directly into the Nazi war machine, moved on to GCHQ. This was the British government’s new facility established to fight a different, but no less formidable foe – Stalin and the KGB. Fascinating and insightful revelations from deep within the archives of this secret organisation reveal the story of the tumultuous early years of GCHQ as it navigated its way through an era of double agents, deception and betrayals. From the defection of the Cambridge Five and the treachery of the atomic scientist Klaus Fuchs, to the collapse of the British Empire, the ascension of Chairman Mao and the emergence of the US as a superpower, McKay deftly explores the impact these events had on the fledgling organisation. During the years of the Cold War the men and women of GCHQ penetrated Soviet encryptions and gathered crucial intelligence from all over the world. The Spies of Winter tells the story of the codebreakers themselves and how they used new technology to expand the horizons of cryptography in order to defend the nation and maintain the fragile peace in a world now under the shadow of nuclear holocaust.

A group of superheroes representing different elements—fire, water, earth, and air—must unite to protect the world from an ancient elemental force that threatens to consume everything in its path. Each hero must learn to master their element and overcome personal obstacles to stand against the encroaching darkness. To fully master their elemental powers, each hero must undergo a series of challenging trials specific to their element, and then defeat the Spirit Master at the end. As the heroes delve deeper into the history of the elemental force, they uncover ancient prophecies, artifacts, and lost civilizations that hold the key to defeating their enemy.

DIVDIVGolf in the Kingdom author Michael Murphy’s Cold War thriller, based on true events/divDIV /divDIVSomeone is tracking Darwin Fall, a scholar whose expertise in supernormal powers is second to none. As Darwin begins a search of his own for the legendary Soviet spy Vladimir Kirov, he uncovers a secret network of spies, scientists, and rogue agents working together to harness the occult powers that could put “an end to ordinary history.”/divDIV /divMichael Murphy, a master of fusing fact and fiction, deftly uses his characters to blur the lines between the ordinary and the mysterious, between what is real and what is possible. /div

Delve into a thrilling tale of adventure, history, and the enduring power of knowledge in "The Whispers of El Dorado." Join Parvati, a scholarly queen, on her expedition to the legendary lost city of gold. As she navigates treacherous jungles, deciphers ancient puzzles, and confronts guardians of the past, Parvati uncovers a truth far more profound than unimaginable riches. El Dorado, once a beacon of wealth and progress, now stands as a chilling reminder of a civilization's downfall. Consumed by greed, its people unleashed a devastating plague that brought their empire to its knees. But within the ruins lie the echoes of their brilliance – advancements in science, engineering, and forgotten wisdom. Parvati's quest transcends the allure of gold. Guided by the responsibility of knowledge, she embarks on a mission to learn from El Dorado's mistakes. Alongside her loyal companions, she deciphers cryptic messages, overcomes perilous trials, and unlocks the secrets of the lost city. Their journey is fraught with danger. Betrayal lurks within their ranks, and a mysterious force threatens to exploit the knowledge they seek for nefarious purposes. Can Parvati safeguard this powerful legacy and ensure it's used for the betterment of humanity? "The Whispers of El Dorado" is a captivating adventure that blends historical intrigue with fantastical elements. It's a story that will transport you to a world of hidden cities, ancient guardians, and the enduring power of knowledge. As Parvati grapples with the weight of the past, she paves the way for a future built on education, responsibility, and the lessons learned from the echoes of a lost civilization.

Understand the real power of AI and and its ability to shape the future for the better. AI For Social Good: Using Artificial Intelligence to Save the World bridges the gap between the current state of reality and the incredible potential of AI to change the world. From humanitarian and environmental concerns to advances in art and science, every area of life stands poised to make a quantum leap into the future. The problem? Too few of us really understand how AI works and how to integrate it into our policies and projects. In this book, Rahul Dodhia, Deputy Director of Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab, offers a nontechnical exploration of artificial intelligence tools—how they’re built, what they can and can’t do, and the raw material that teaches them what they “know.” Readers will also find an inventory of common challenges they might face when integrating AI into their work. You'll also read more on: The potential for AI to solve longstanding issues and improve lives Learn how you can tap into the power of AI, regardless of the size of your organization Gain an understanding of how AI works and how to communicate with AI scientists to create new solutions Understand the real risks of implementing AI and how to avoid potential pitfalls Real-life examples and stories that demonstrate how teams of AI specialists, project managers, and subject matter experts can achieve remarkable products. Written for anyone who is curious about AI, and especially useful for policymakers, project managers, and leaders who work alongside AI, AI For Social Good provides discussions of how AI scientists create artificially intelligent systems, and how AI can be used ethically (or unethically) to transform society. You’ll also find a discussion of how governments can become more flexible, helping regulations keep up with the fast pace of change in technology.

This National Book Award finalist traces the life of the general whose career began on the western frontier and culminated with victory in a world war. Using both domestic and foreign sources, many heretofore untapped, Frank Vandiver focuses on the qualities of and challenges to Pershing the soldier without losing sight of the man who wore the uniform. Vandiver gives special attention to Pershing's stint as head of the Bureau of Insular Affairs, his fourteen years' service in the Far East, and his unusual role as manager-organizer of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Here is a full-bodied portrait of a remarkable American, plus new insights into American and international military history, and a fresh view of the United States' rise to power.