Tim Rous Beastie

This unique book provides a comprehensive introduction to the most popular syntax-based statistical machine translation models, filling a gap in the current literature for researchers and developers in human language technologies. While phrase-based models have previously dominated the field, syntax-based approaches have proved a popular alternative, as they elegantly solve many of the shortcomings of phrase-based models. The heart of this book is a detailed introduction to decoding for syntax-based models. The book begins with an overview of synchronous-context free grammar (SCFG) and synchronous tree-substitution grammar (STSG) along with their associated statistical models. It also describes how three popular instantiations (Hiero, SAMT, and GHKM) are learned from parallel corpora. It introduces and details hypergraphs and associated general algorithms, as well as algorithms for decoding with both tree and string input. Special attention is given to efficiency, including search approximations such as beam search and cube pruning, data structures, and parsing algorithms. The book consistently highlights the strengths (and limitations) of syntax-based approaches, including their ability to generalize phrase-based translation units, their modeling of specific linguistic phenomena, and their function of structuring the search space.

An essential resource for any designer, crafter, artist, or historian, THE COMPLETE PATTERN DIRECTORY is the most comprehensive, practical, and beautiful directory of patterns throughout history, covering all periods, styles, and cultures. Throughout history, patterns have come in countless permutations of motif, color, and scale. From the first rhythmic marks pressed onto clay vessels, to the latest digital design, pattern-making has been an essential part of the decorative arts since time immemorial. With 1500 illustrations of patterns from all ages and cultures, THE COMPLETE PATTERN DIRECTORY is not only a visual feast, it is the most comprehensive resource available on the subject. The book is arranged thematically according to pattern type, with chapters on Flora, Fauna, Pictorial, Geometric, and Abstract designs. Each pattern includes the name of the pattern, the year of its creation, and a brief description. The categories are supplemented by in-depth features highlighting the work of key designers including William Morris, Sonia Delaunay, Charles and Ray Eames, Lucienne Day, and Orla Kiely, as well as sections detailing the characteristic motifs of key period styles from Baroque to Art Deco.

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Adventurous opossums, subway rats. Questing canines, hellbound sows, and sentimental spiders—Tim'rous Beastie is a collection unlike any other, inspired by the literary tradition of brave and imperiled critters defying their size and place in the natural order.

This ultimate guide to Scotch whisky offers an insider's look into one of the world's beloved spirits—its history, production, and traditions—along with tasting notes for more than 200 common bottlings. “Scotch whisky [has an] uncanny ability to transform a mundane moment into something special and memorable.” —Margarett Waterbury Scotch whisky is beloved around the world. But for the uninitiated, its diversity can be bewildering. This comprehensive guide to Scotch whisky history, production, and appreciation will help you navigate the world of Scotch with confidence. Along with an overview of its intricate production process and tips for visiting your favorite distillery, Scotch features profiles of more than 200 whiskies, from popular blends to coveted single malts, with a special focus on bottles you’re likely to find with ease. You’ll also find recommendations for matching the right whisky to the right occasion, from great values for everyday imbibing, to worth-the-splurge options for marking life’s biggest moments. Whether you're a whisky newbie, a die-hard fan, or simply malt-curious, Scotch will be your go-to resource for demystifying the greatest of whiskies.

Revised and Updated. Whisky is one of the world’s most revered spirits, with connoisseurs spending a great deal of money and time on the appreciation of rare expressions and limited edition bottles. In addition, many whisky connoisseurs travel direct to the source to see and experience the world’s best distilleries at first hand. Since the publication of the first edition in 2010, many changes have occurred in the world of whisky which are fully explored in this completely new edition. Over 200 of the 750 whiskies are updated, along with over 20 of the 38 features to reflect the ‘new world of whisky’, from the growing US single malt craft distillery movement (including Balcones in Texas), Japan (Yoichi),Taiwan (Kavalan), India (Paul John), Australia (Overeem), France (Warengem) and Sweden (Mackmyra, Spirit of Hven). Aimed at beginners as well as connoisseurs, the book encompasses everything you need to know to increase your appreciation of this complex and fascinating spirit. Iconic distilleries such as Lagavulin, Highland Park and Glenrothes in Scotland are fully explored alongside the bourbon innovators of Kentucky such as Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark. From global brands to tiny craft distillers, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the best dram the world over.

The All-New Bible of Spirits In 2008, F. Paul Pacult published the second edition of his groundbreaking book of reviews, Kindred Spirits. In the dozen years since, interest in distilled spirits has exploded, and craft distilleries have popped up around the country and the world. Now, in The New Kindred Spirits, Pacult provides a new and comprehensive compilation of more than 2,400 detailed evaluations of whiskeys, brandies, vodkas, tequilas, rums, gins, and liqueurs—an indispensable reference for any spirits enthusiast or professional. The New Kindred Spirits is essential for: • Consumers who are just beginning their personal adventure in spirits and want the dependable tutelage of the expert whom Imbibe Magazine recently called "…an all-knowing spirituous oracle, a J.D. Power of liquor." • Seasoned spirits consumers looking to expand their repertoire and in need of a reliable, highly detailed purchasing guide. • Industry insiders who would like to increase their knowledge about all spirits categories—and see what the competition is up to. • Retailers looking for both a trusted guide to help their clientele make buying decisions, and an educational textbook for their sales staff. • Restauranteurs/bar owners/bartenders who sell spirits and need to know more about them in a time of increasingly knowledgeable customers. • Journalists, educators and other writers who regularly or occasionally cover or teach distilled spirits and mixology. New in this edition, The New Kindred Spirits will also cover the craft distiller explosion—wherein thousands of small, independent distillers burst onto the scene—through hundreds of reviews of craft spirits. The world's most respected and trusted spirits authority, F. Paul Pacult is a critic, journalist, and the creator of F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal, which provided meticulous and unbiased spirits reviews for twenty-eight years. But whether reviewing old standby spirits or up-and-comers, readers can count on Paul's steely, unemotional critic's eye, just as they have since 1991. More comprehensive than ever before, The New Kindreds Spirits remains true to the guiding principles of careful judgment, no advertising allowed, occasional wisecracks, and totally unbiased opinions.

“I’d rather be an optimist and a fool, than a pessimist and right” (Albert Einstein). It’s the summer of ’61 and fifteen-year-old Firpo has escaped the sweltering Bronx and gone up the lake to spend his vacation. He’s decided to find a girlfriend, a steady, just like the cool guys on American Bandstand dance with in South Philly. He figures it will be a cinch. What Firpo doesn’t figure on are the confounding consequences that result from mixing teenage hormones with young and stupid mental states. Journey back to a more innocent time as Firpo and his merry band of friends set out on a quest for love and the answer to life’s sweet mystery in the land of foolish optimists.

This is the most comprehensive and thoroughly researched guide to the world’s whiskies ever produced. Honest, forthright and proudly independent, Jim Murray has, for this 17th edition, tasted and rated over 4,500 whiskies, shedding light on more than 1,800 Scottish single malts, nearly 400 blended Scotches and in excess of 900 American whiskies. Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible provides an unrivalled and invaluable source of reference to the consumer, the whisky industry and the drinks trade alike. In terms of whisky, this is the gospel!