Named a "Favorite Book of 2022" by the Washington Independent Review of Books The Winning Ticket is an inside look at one of the most complicated yet seat-of-your-pants financial investigations and prosecutions in recent history. Rob Sand, the youngest attorney in his office, was assigned a new case by his boss, who was days away from retirement. Inside the thin accordion binder Sand received was meager evidence that had been gathered over the course of two years by Iowa authorities regarding a suspicious lottery ticket. No one expected the case to go anywhere. No dead body, no shots fired, and no money paid out. Why should they care? There was no certainty that a crime had even been committed. But a mysterious Belizean trust had attempted to claim the $16 million ticket, then decided to forgo the money and maintain anonymity when the State of Iowa demanded to know who had purchased the ticket. Who values anonymity over that much money? Both a story of small-town America and a true-crime saga about the largest lottery-rigging scheme in American history, The Winning Ticket follows the investigation all the way down the rabbit hole to uncover how Eddie Tipton was able to cheat the system to win jackpots over $16 million and go more than a decade without being caught--until Sand inherited the case. Just as remarkable as the crime are the real-life characters met along the way: an honest fireworks salesman, a hoodwinked FBI agent, a crooked Texas lawman, a shady attorney representing a Belizean trust, and, yes, Bigfoot hunters. While some of the characters are nearly unbelievable, the everyday themes of integrity and hard work resonate throughout the saga. As the case builds toward a reckoning, The Winning Ticket demonstrates how a new day has dawned in prosecuting complex technological crimes.

Written in an accessible style, "Lucky You!" examines the qualities and actions that set the charmed apart, such as: how hunches can be understood and acted upon; the winning strategies of gamblers; linking subconscious desires with positive outcomes; different kinds of luck--health, safety, business, investment, relationships, love, gambling; how sixth sense abilities can have an influence.

Chapters in this volume include: Chapter 1: American Government 101 Schools are supposed to teach this subject, but schools never teach what actually goes on at the local, state, and national levels. If they did, students would be mightily entertained Chapter 2: Our Weird, Weird World You would not believe how the behavior police want you to act while backpacking in the wilderness and other weirdness. Chapter 3: We Muse on the News So why don't rich people pay more in taxes, how to sell air, and other interesting stuff. Chapter 4: Sports There are only two sports that remain where one can drink while one is playing the sport and other observations. Chapter 5: Dog Tales I live in a town where dogs are so admired that we may give them the right to vote. Chapter 6: Space and Science The next gold rush will occur in outer space, where a single asteroid could be worth $100 trillion. Chapter 7: The Gopher Relays I can't help it. This happens every spring. You almost have to witness this activity to appreciate it. Chapter 8: Useful History What did they do about pirates back in the eighteenth century? Who actually won the Crusades? And honestly, a school forgot about Christmas? Chapter 9: Government Finances If this chapter doesn't frost your eyebrows, you probably don't pay taxes. Chapter 10: We Get Mail A big part of the fun of owning a newspaper is opening the mail. I mean, really. Chapter 11: Diving Us Crazy The days of Route 66 may be ending, and why I don't go abroad. Ever.

Introduces the fundamentals of probability, statistics, decision theory, and game theory, and features interesting examples of games of chance and strategy to motivate and illustrate abstract mathematical concepts Covering both random and strategic games, Probability, Decisions and Games features a variety of gaming and gambling examples to build a better understanding of basic concepts of probability, statistics, decision theory, and game theory. The authors present fundamental concepts such as random variables, rational choice theory, mathematical expectation and variance, fair games, combinatorial calculus, conditional probability, Bayes Theorem, Bernoulli trials, zero-sum games and Nash equilibria, as well as their application in games such as Roulette, Craps, Lotto, Blackjack, Poker, Rock-Paper-Scissors, the Game of Chicken and Tic-Tac-Toe. Computer simulations, implemented using the popular R computing environment, are used to provide intuition on key concepts and verify complex calculations. The book starts by introducing simple concepts that are carefully motivated by the same historical examples that drove their original development of the field of probability, and then applies those concepts to popular contemporary games. The first two chapters of Probability, Decisions and Games: A Gentle Introduction using R feature an introductory discussion of probability and rational choice theory in finite and discrete spaces that builds upon the simple games discussed in the famous correspondence between Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat. Subsequent chapters utilize popular casino games such as Roulette and Blackjack to expand on these concepts illustrate modern applications of these methodologies. Finally, the book concludes with discussions on game theory using a number of strategic games. This book: Features introductory coverage of probability, statistics, decision theory and game theory, and has been class-tested at University of California, Santa Cruz for the past six years Illustrates basic concepts in probability through interesting and fun examples using a number of popular casino games: roulette, lotto, craps, blackjack, and poker Introduces key ideas in game theory using classic games such as Rock-Paper-Scissors, Chess, and Tic-Tac-Toe. Features computer simulations using R throughout in order to illustrate complex concepts and help readers verify complex calculations Contains exercises and approaches games and gambling at a level that is accessible for readers with minimal experience Adopts a unique approach by motivating complex concepts using first simple games and then moving on to more complex, well-known games that illustrate how these concepts work together Probability, Decisions and Games: A Gentle Introduction using R is a unique and helpful textbook for undergraduate courses on statistical reasoning, introduction to probability, statistical literacy, and quantitative reasoning for students from a variety of disciplines.

The brochure's promise - a wilderness vacation - nothing about FATE. John & Lee Mackintosh - conditioned to do BAD - combine with PURE EVIL. Will Dean now faced the consequences of his fateful return to camp. A new procedure may reduce HIS exposure to the cruel quirks of chaos. Gut-wrenching in places, it is poignant plea for truth in the record. Wiley Bean, 'Myron Wheeler', received his LL.B. from GW in 1964. No whodunit, six years of study in Russian/U.S. history are blended with military & wilderness experiences in this tale of hate & fate. Known for his ten year litigation with the surrogate-baby business, his windmill now - horrendous delays in execution. A novel idea - a possible solution. "Read in three sittings - gripping, suspenseful & credible."--Frederick D. Williams, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus. "Excellent book."--Alfred Swanson, M.D. "Extremely exciting - informative."--Dottie Levin, Baltimore. "Enjoyed book - attention held - good job."--Duane Shillinger, Warden, Rawlings, WY. "A most interesting & thought-provoking novel!"--Donna Hillard, Bank Officer. Publisher - Wiley Bean, P.O. Box 97, Grand Ledge, MI 48837. Order: The Book House Inc., 208 W. Chicago, Jonesville, MI 49250-0125. Tel: 517-849-2117; FAX 517-849-9716.