Best Selling Books by Christopher Ford

The samurai, the legendary warriors of Japan, have captivated the imagination of people around the world with their unwavering loyalty, indomitable spirit, and peerless skill in combat. In this book, we embark on a captivating journey through time to explore the rich and storied history of the samurai. From their origins as noble warriors to their role in shaping Japan''s destiny, we delve into the samurai''s way of life, their philosophy, and their profound influence on the course of Japanese history. Chapters included: Chapter 1: The Origins of the Samurai Chapter 2: The Code of Bushido Chapter 3: The Age of Warring States Chapter 4: The Tokugawa Era: Peace and Unification Chapter 5: The Twilight of the Samurai Chapter 6: Legends and Legacy

"Mysteries of the Cosmos: The Enigma of Dark Matter and Dark Energy" is a captivating and comprehensive exploration of two of the most profound mysteries in modern astrophysics and cosmology. The book takes readers on an enlightening journey through the universe''s hidden realms, shedding light on the elusive nature of dark matter and dark energy. The book delves into the heart of these mysteries, offering readers a detailed understanding of the current state of research, the historical context, and the scientific methodologies employed to study these enigmatic components of the cosmos. Chapter included: Chapter 1: Introduction to the Unknown Chapter 2: The Dark Matter Puzzle Chapter 3: Probing the Invisible: Dark Matter Detection Chapter 4: The Structure of the Cosmos Chapter 5: Beyond the Standard Model of Particle Physics Chapter 6: Cosmic Giants: Black Holes and Dark Matter Chapter 7: The Cosmic Acceleration Chapter 8: Probing the Nature of Dark Energy Chapter 9: The Tension between Dark Matter and Dark Energy Chapter 10: The Future of Dark Cosmology Chapter 11: Alternative Theories and Controversies Chapter 12: Dark Matter and Dark Energy in Popular Culture Chapter 13: Ethical Considerations and Societal Impact Chapter 14: Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Research

In this book, we will explore practical strategies, timeless principles, and innovative ideas to help you create and grow wealth. Whether you''re just starting your financial journey or seeking to enhance your existing wealth, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to make money in today''s dynamic world. Chapters included: Chapter 1: Laying the Foundation Chapter 2: Building Multiple Streams of Income Chapter 3: Mastering Financial Literacy Chapter 4: Embracing the Digital Age Chapter 5: Navigating Real Estate and Property Investment Chapter 6: Building Wealth for the Long Term

Inside this book Meditation - How Altering My Consciousness Changed My Life, I''ll take you on an adventure of my meditations, dreams and conversations with my spirit guides and ancestors.You''ll learn how meditation sparked a personal interest in me to learn different aspects of myself. How I manifested my innermost desires from connecting to my ancestors and allowed personal healing to take place in my family. Taking this spiritual journey through meditating has help me change my life and it could do the same for you.

"Shinobi: A Guide to Ninjutsu" is an in-depth exploration of the ancient martial art of the ninja. From its historical origins to its modern-day applications, this book provides a comprehensive and practical understanding of the art of ninjutsu. In this book, you will delve into the mindset of the ninja, learning about their philosophy, principles, and mental discipline. Discover the physical conditioning required to become a true ninja, including strength training, agility exercises, and stealthy movement techniques. Explore the fundamentals of ninjutsu, including basic stances, hand-to-hand combat techniques, and various strikes, kicks, and throws. Uncover the secrets of traditional ninja weapons, such as swords, knives, throwing stars, and how to effectively utilize them. Gain insight into the tactical awareness of a ninja, including camouflage and disguise, observation skills, escape and evasion tactics, as well as ambush and assassination strategies. Learn about the practical applications of ninjutsu in modern times, adapting it to contemporary challenges and considering ethical considerations. Chapters included: Chapter 1: The Art of the Ninja Chapter 2: The Ninja Mindset Chapter 3: Physical Conditioning Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Ninjutsu Chapter 5: Weapons of the Ninja Chapter 6: Tactical Awareness Chapter 7: Ninjutsu in Action Chapter 8: Advanced Ninjutsu Techniques Chapter 9: The Modern Ninja Chapter 10: The Path of the Ninja

"Robert Tressell and Ragged Trousers" is an exploration into the life of Robert Tressell, a mysterious figure behind the revolutionary novel "The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists." Delving into Tressell''s life, early influences, and his journey to becoming a writer, this book unravels the enigmatic author''s motivations, struggles, and the societal context that shaped his literary masterpiece. Set against the backdrop of late 19th and early 20th-century England, this book vividly portrays the harsh conditions faced by the working class, painting a poignant picture of their struggles, exploitation, and the rising tide of labor movements and socialist ideologies. This book digs deep into the heart of the novel''s themes-exploitation, inequality, and the class divide-offering insights into their enduring relevance in contemporary society. It explores the book''s unique structure and narrative style, showcasing its literary significance and timeless impact on literature, politics, and social reform. Through the lens of Tressell''s struggles in getting his work published and the eventual recognition of his manuscript, this book encapsulates the enduring legacy of "The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists" and its lasting influence on activism, social consciousness, and the ongoing fight for social justice.

Two boys set sail in a magical Pirate adventure of discovery and friendship. A debut picture book from Christopher Ford and Shaun Remington full of imagination, colour and rhyme for young children to join in with and enjoy.

Step into the captivating world of Nordic tales, where gods clash, heroes rise, and the fate of worlds hangs in the balance! Dive into a realm teeming with epic battles, cunning tricksters, and majestic beings from ancient sagas that continue to enthrall audiences worldwide. Explore the panoramic landscapes where towering gods like Odin and Thor wield unimaginable power, where Valkyries soar above battlefields, and where the mischievous Loki weaves schemes that shape destinies. These tales unfold in a rich tapestry of conflicts, prophecies, and cosmic cataclysms, culminating in the spellbinding saga of Ragnarok, the apocalyptic battle that heralds both destruction and rebirth. Encounter fierce giants, skilled dwarves, and fearsome monsters that challenge the might of gods and heroes. Feel the pulse of ancient wisdom, as myths woven around Yggdrasil, the World Tree, echo the eternal cycles of life, death, and renewal. Immerse yourself in stories of courage, sacrifice, and the intricate dance between fate and free will, as Norse mythology''s timeless narratives continue to inspire artists, writers, and storytellers across generations. Join us on a journey through Nordic tales-a voyage that ignites the imagination, explores the depths of human nature, and unveils the enduring legacy of these mythic adventures!

"The Path of Judo: Unleashing Inner Strength and Mastery" is more than a technical manual; it is a holistic exploration of the art, philosophy, and transformative power of Judo. By understanding the origins, techniques, etiquette, and mental aspects of this martial art, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and physical excellence. May this book be your guide as you walk the path of Judo, embracing its principles both on and off the tatami. Chapters included: Chapter 1: Origins and Philosophy of Judo Chapter 2: Judo Techniques and Training Methods Chapter 3: The Judo Dojo and Etiquette Chapter 4: Competitions and Randori (Sparring) Chapter 5: Mental and Spiritual Aspects of Judo Chapter 6: Judo for Self-Defense and Life Skills Chapter 7: Judo for All: Adaptive Judo and Inclusive Practices Chapter 8: Judo legends

"Unleashing Harmony: The Art of Aikido" delves into the profound world of Aikido--a martial art that goes beyond mere combat techniques to cultivate inner harmony, self-discipline, and a deep connection with others. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, this book will serve as your roadmap to understanding and mastering the principles, techniques, and philosophy of Aikido. Chapters included: Chapter 1: The Origins and Philosophy of Aikido Chapter 2: The Aikido Dojo and Training Etiquette Chapter 3: Aikido Techniques: Throws and Joint Locks Chapter 4: Aikido Techniques: Strikes and Weapons Chapter 5: Aikido in Practice: Randori and Multiple Attackers Chapter 6: Aikido as a Path of Self-Discovery Chapter 7: Aikido and Its Impact on Health and Well-being

This paper first surveys the approaches taken by the Russian Federation and the People''s Republic of China in their "information war" of propaganda and disinformation against the United States and the Western democracies, outlining the main themes of their strategic narratives, describing key differences between them, and explaining how these differing approaches fit into each country''s geopolitical strategy. China''s narrative is described as a "replacement" narrative that aims to tell a consistent narrative about the Chinese Communist Party and about China, which it desires that others believe. By contrast, the Russian approach to outward-facing messaging is devoted more to destabilizing others'' narratives - by advancing multiple, mutually-contradictory storylines designed to disorient and divide - than it is to advancing a Russian replacement. Second, the paper suggests approaches to help counter these messaging campaigns. For China, this means advancing effective counter-narratives designed to target conceptual weak points in Chinese themes - such as by highlighting "anti-imperialist" themes to developing countries, making it the focus of international cooperation to protect these countries'' sovereignty and autonomy and help them avoid economic exploitation by and dependency upon China. For Russia, it involves making Western audiences "harder targets" for disinformation through improvements in "information hygiene," though this is described as being a slow and more difficult task than counter-messaging. Third, the paper emphasizes the importance - in responding to either country''s "information warfare" - of addressing some more fundamental problems in the United States'' intellectual and political culture. Modern Americans, the author notes, tend to doubt ourselves, obsess about our sins as a society, and think those we dislike among our fellow citizens to be more of a threat than revisionist great power rivals run by cruel dictators. This helps our information adversaries immensely, whether they are trying to foist their narratives on the world or simply to worsen our own divisions and distrust of ourselves. Real success in information competition requires a solid foundation in our own conception of and belief in ourselves, which the author says it is imperative for Americans to rediscover.

"The Art of Filipino Martial Arts" celebrates the vibrant and multifaceted world of FMA. From its historical origins to the modern-day practice, this book provides an in-depth exploration of the techniques, philosophies, and cultural significance of Filipino martial arts. Whether you are a practitioner seeking to deepen your knowledge or an enthusiast eager to learn, this book serves as a comprehensive guide that sheds light on the beauty and power of this ancient art form. Let us embark on this journey together and discover the hidden treasures within the realm of Filipino Martial Arts.

Core Chess Strategy & Principles a comprehensive guide that aims to equip chess enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a strong strategic foundation. Whether you are a beginner seeking to understand the basics or an experienced player looking to enhance your strategic prowess, this book will provide you with a systematic approach to chess strategy. Chapters included: Chapter 1: The Fundamentals of Chess Strategy Chapter 2: Evaluating Positions Chapter 3: Tactical Awareness Chapter 4: Planning and Prophylaxis Chapter 5: The Middlegame Battle Chapter 6: The Endgame Mastery Chapter 7: Psychological Aspects of Chess Strategy

Step into the world of the samurai with "Iaido: Mastery of the Blade," an exploration of the ancient Japanese martial art of Iaido. In this book, readers will embark on a journey through the profound and disciplined art of drawing, cutting, and resheathing the katana sword, as they unlock the secrets to mastering the blade and the mind. Embark on a journey with "Mastery of the Blade" and discover the art of Iaido, where the mastery of the sword is a reflection of the mastery of oneself. This book is a testament to the enduring legacy of the samurai and the timeless pursuit of excellence in mind and body.

In this humorous take on the Odyssey, Zozimos, banished from his country by his evil stepmother, has many adventures as he prepares to return home to reclaim the throne that is rightfully his.

In order to facilitate the application of solid oxide fuel cells, in conjunction with reduced research and development costs, there is a need for accurate performance models to aid scientists and engineers in component and process design. To this end, an enhanced transient performance model has been developed. The present thesis enhances transient modeling and simulation via characterization of two important transient phenomena. They are bimodal stimuli (i.e., simultaneous changes in reactant supply and load demand) electrical transients, inclusive of the simulation of electrolysis, and the electrochemical light off phenomenon. One key result of the electrochemical light off simulations was that the realization that electrochemical parameters such as cell potential may be used as dynamic control variables during transitional heating of the cell. Reflective of the state-of-the-art in controls and dynamic simulation development, the modeling efforts are completed in the MATLAB computing environment. There is then a tangible software development that accompanies the modeling and simulation exercises and transient insights resolved.

This thesis presents the development of a selective-etch fabrication process to create sub-10 nanometre metallic gaps and the subsequent use of the gaps to study the electronics of nanocrystals and molecules. A complete picture of the success of the process required both examination by scanning electron microscopy as well as probing the current response to an applied bias at low temperature. The empty gaps were fully characterised before self-assembling 7 nm CdSe nanocrystals onto the metal with the help of linker molecules. The I-V characteristics of the empty gaps showed a reduction of the tunnelling barrier height from the expected value (~5.1 eV, the work function of Au) when the results were fitted to the Simmons tunnelling model for a metal-insulator-metal system. Results indicate that after the barrier height is surpassed, a transition from direct to field-effect (Fowler-Nordheim) tunnelling occurs. After CdSe assembly, the collected I-V characteristics of the system at 77 K showed varied results. Many devices displayed conductance peaks at low voltages comparable to the results of the shadow evaporation process for 4.2 nm nanocrystals (also documented in this thesis). Several devices revealed switching between multiples of fundamental curves, suggesting conduction through multiples of nanocrystals.

The winner of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Essay Contest in 2010, this essay looks at how homeland security could benefit from crowd-sourced applications accessed through social networking tools such as Twitter and Facebook. Christopher M. Ford looks at the apparent efficacy of two such endeavors: the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency''s (DARPA) competition to find ten 8-foot balloons moored across the continental U.S. and Wired Magazine challenge to “find” author Evan Ratliff. Based on these and other crowd-sourced applications, Ford suggests that the U.S. government could utilize the internet and social networking sites to potentially solve an array of discrete problems through the active participation of interested citizens.

Background: Concession stands at high school events are exempt from USDA regulations. They generally sell unhealthy foods and fear change will affect profits. Methods: Concession stand sales for two seasons of high school football games in Muscatine, Iowa were compared. In between seasons, two types of changes were made: 1) using healthier ingredients (less saturated fat, no trans-fat) and 2) offering additional healthier foods. Satisfaction surveys of students and parents were conducted before and after the changes. Data were collected in 2008 and 2009 and analyzed in 2012. Results: Total sales were similar between years, but the sales of new healthy foods comprised 9.2 % of the total in the second year and sales of some new items rose with each game. Modified items, healthier nachos and popcorn, remained profitable at 26.1% and 4.9% of revenue. The “healthy makeover” had no influence on student satisfaction and it dramatically improved parent satisfaction (p

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are high temperature (600C-1000C) composite metallic/ceramic-cermet electrochemical devices. There is a need to effectively manage the heat transfer through the cell to mitigate material failure induced by thermal stresses while yet preserving performance. The present dissertation offers a novel thermodynamic optimization approach that utilizes dimensionless geometric parameters to design a SOFC. Through entropy generation minimization, the architecture of a planar SOFC has been redesigned to optimally balance thermal gradients and cell performance. Cell performance has been defined using the 2nd law metric of exergetic efficiency. One constrained optimization problem was solved. The optimization sought to maximize exergetic efficiency through minimizing total entropy production while constraining thermal gradients. Optimal designs were produced that had exergetic efficiency exceeding 92% while maximum thermal gradients were between 219 C/m and 1249 C/m. As the architecture was modified, the magnitude of sources of entropy generation changed. Ultimately, it was shown that the architecture of a SOFC can be modified through thermodynamic optimization to maximize performance while limiting thermal gradients. The present dissertation highlights a new design methodology and provides insights on the connection between thermal gradients, performance, sources of entropy generation, and cell architecture.

A survey of the three small islands, Kasatochi, Koniuji, and Ulak Islands, located in the Andreanof Island group.