Most Popular Books by Michael Brown

Michael Brown offers an overview of the history of the development of African American and Afrocentric biblical interpretation. He then discusses how such scholarship began as an attempt to correct the biases African Americans perceived to be manifest in European and Euro-American biblical scholarship. This corrective, he says, quickly developed a life of its own, and Afrocentric biblical interpretation developed its own interpretive voice and style. Brown also examines Afrocentrism and the "blackening of the Bible," offering a critique of the color politics of Afrocentric criticism. He examines the evolution of womanism as a method of biblical interpretation, and explores and criticizes the ways that ideological and postcolonial criticism has contributed to Afrocentric biblical criticism. Finally, he presents the challenges he thinks confront the practice of such criticism, and he advances a new paradigm for the project that will put it in conversation with a wider audience of biblical scholars, classicists, historians, and theologians. Michael Joseph Brown is Assistant Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Candler School of theology, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the author of What They Don''t Tell You: A Survivor''s Guide to Academic Biblical Studies and The Lord''s Prayer through North African Eyes: A Window into Early Christianity.

""Prank Science"" explores the surprising science and psychology behind harmless practical jokes, arguing that their success stems from a careful balance of surprise, cognitive dissonance, and shared understanding. The book reveals how pranks, often dismissed as mere mischief, are actually carefully engineered social experiments that offer insights into human behavior. For example, the element of surprise in a prank triggers specific neurological responses, while successful pranks often exploit cognitive biases to create humor. The book begins by establishing the historical and social context of pranks, then moves to dissecting the psychological mechanisms behind different types of pranks using case studies and experimental psychology. It examines how timing, target selection, and the element of surprise contribute to a prank''s effectiveness. Finally, the book considers the ethical dimensions of pranking, navigating the line between harmless fun and potentially harmful actions.

Santa Mouse becomes Santa’s littlest helper…in the kitchen! Join Santa Mouse and the elves at the North Pole as they bake Christmas cookies in a sweet holiday tale. When Santa Mouse wakes to the delicious aroma of cookies on Christmas Eve, he finds the elves busy baking for Santa’s big day. Always ready to lend a helping paw, Santa Mouse joins in to bake and decorate a surprising plate of cookies for everyone at the North Pole, including Santa’s hardworking reindeer. This board book is the perfect celebration of the classic Christmas cookie tradition.

John Toland was notorious. A pamphleteer, a polemicist and a prankster of the first order, modern scholarship has struggled to position his writings within the debates of his day. This study is the first to fully recount his remarkable biography, situating his writings within the controversies that sparked and shaped them.

Puzzle Addiction Factors explores the compelling allure of puzzles, delving into the psychology and neuroscience behind why we find them so captivating. It examines the brain''s reward system, specifically how dopamine release reinforces puzzle-solving behavior, making us want to continue. Intriguingly, the book highlights how well-designed puzzles create a ""flow state,"" where challenge and skill are perfectly balanced, leading to heightened engagement. The book progresses systematically, first introducing the neurobiological basis of puzzle addiction, then unraveling the psychological factors at play, such as cognitive biases. It then details how game design principles contribute to a puzzles addictive quality. It combines insights from psychology, neuroscience, and game design to provide a holistic view. This interdisciplinary approach, combined with its accessible language and real-world applications in education, therapy, and employee engagement, sets the book apart.

Scientific Revolution Milestones delves into the groundbreaking transformations in science from the 16th century onward, revealing how pivotal discoveries reshaped our comprehension of the universe and our place in it. This period marked a fundamental shift in epistemology, altering how knowledge was acquired and validated. One intriguing aspect was the move from the geocentric view of the universe, where Earth was believed to be the center, to the heliocentric model championed by Nicolaus Copernicus, sparking intense debate and revolutionizing astronomy. Another was the rise of empiricism and experimentation, exemplified by Galileo Galilei''s work, which challenged established Aristotelian views and laid the foundation for the Scientific Method. The book adopts a chronological and thematic approach, beginning with the pre-revolutionary scientific landscape and progressing through the Copernican Revolution, the rise of empiricism and experimentation, and the Newtonian synthesis. This synthesis, culminating in Isaac Newton''s laws of motion and universal gravitation, unified celestial and terrestrial mechanics, marking a high point in the revolution. By examining primary texts and historical accounts, Scientific Revolution Milestones not only offers a comprehensive understanding of this transformative era but also highlights its lasting impact on modern science and Western thought.

Brown''s Simplified English Grammar presents English in its simplicity with illustrations students of all ages and ethnic backgrounds are sure to appreciate. The parts of speech are enumerated concisely and the mechanics of writing English sentences are handled superbly.

Santa’s littlest helper returns in this novelty lift-the-flap board book. Can you find where Santa Mouse is hiding? Who’s the little friend on Santa’s shoulder? Who is it we look for when it’s colder? Join one of the bestselling Christmas book characters, Santa Mouse, on a holiday search-and-find adventure. Lift the flaps to see where Santa Mouse is hiding on each spread!

Psychic Abilities explores the science and psychology behind phenomena like telekinesis and mind reading, critically examining paranormal claims through the lenses of cognitive psychology and neuroscience. The book seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms that might explain these abilities, or, alternatively, reveal the psychological factors that contribute to belief in them. One intriguing insight is how stage magic exploits our understanding of visual perception to create the impression of impossible feats. The book progresses systematically, first establishing a foundation in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. It then critically analyzes telekinesis and mind reading, contrasting claims of genuine ability with psychological principles like deception and nonverbal communication. By understanding perception, cognition, and cognitive biases, readers can better evaluate claims of psychic ability and avoid unfounded beliefs. The book emphasizes empirical evidence and logical reasoning, focusing primarily on psychological and cognitive explanations. It provides readers with the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate paranormal claims, bridging the gap between science and popular culture. The book also scrutinizes the methodologies used in parapsychological research, promoting a more nuanced and skeptical approach.

""Laugh Science"" explores the fascinating world of humor, moving beyond simple entertainment to uncover its profound impact on our brains, bodies, and social interactions. The book delves into what makes something funny, dissecting joke construction and examining how humor triggers that ""aha!"" moment. Did you know that laughter activates specific brain regions, impacting neurotransmitter release and potentially reducing stress and pain? This book illuminates the neurological underpinnings of laughter, providing a deeper understanding of the humor-brain connection. The book progresses from exploring humor theory to examining the neurological and psychological effects of humor. It also investigates the evolutionary roots of laughter, considering its purpose in early human communication. ""Laugh Science"" highlights humor''s role in social bonding, coping mechanisms, and emotional regulation, revealing its potential as a tool for resilience and empathy. By integrating findings from psychology, neuroscience, and sociology, the book offers a holistic, evidence-based analysis of humor''s significance, demonstrating its tangible effects in various aspects of life.

Dioxane Sneaks In exposes the alarming presence of 1,4-dioxane, a likely carcinogenic byproduct found in common household and personal care products like detergents and shampoos. This chemical contaminant, formed during a manufacturing process called ethoxylation, poses significant public health risks due to inadequate regulations and widespread exposure. The book argues for greater transparency, stricter rules, and safer manufacturing alternatives to protect consumers. It highlights the surprising fact that many people are unknowingly exposed to this chemical daily, despite its link to increased cancer risks and the availability of methods to minimize its formation. The book progresses by first explaining the science behind 1,4-dioxane''s toxicity, then scrutinizing the regulatory loopholes that allow its continued presence in consumer goods and even drinking water. It further investigates the manufacturing processes, revealing the use of ethoxylation and exploring alternative methods. Through scientific studies, government reports, and real-world examples, it connects the dots between exposure and potential health consequences. The book offers a solution-oriented approach, providing practical guidelines for consumers, health advocates, and policymakers to identify risky products, reduce exposure, and advocate for safer alternatives.

A Rapid Load Test (RLT), developed to determine the initial stiffness and bearing capacity, is an economical and practical alternative to a Static Load Test (SLT). The broad application of RLT, however, was hampered by uncertainty about the interpretation of the test results. This book offers clear guidance on the available analysis techniques and

A down-to-earth approach to spirituality that links your garden with biblical tradition. “Perhaps you’re asking, ‘What is a “Jewish garden”?’ Though it is essentially a collection of plants, it’s really more than that. You don’t just grow plants in a Jewish garden; you incorporate them into your life. Some will help transport you to different times and places; others will provide your senses with aromas, tastes, and beauty. All will help you experience a more personal attachment to God and to Judaism.” —from the Introduction This guide shows how your gardening can sustain your spirit in new ways, whether you grow one fig tree on an apartment terrace, or five acres of wheat in the country. It may also help you realize, as never before, that for each fruit and vegetable associated with every holiday, there is a profound and sustaining reason. To ancient Jews, figs symbolized prosperity, grapes signified fertility, and olives represented the renewal of life. Barley was the chief cooking staple, and dates were a honey substitute. The Jewish Gardening Cookbook gives clear and easy-to-follow instructions on how these foods—and more—can be grown and used for holidays, festivals, and life cycle events. For example, following the cycle of the Jewish year, it explains how to grow apples to bake in apple-raisin-nut cake at Rosh Hashanah, potatoes for latkes at Hanukkah, and ways to maximize use of your zucchini crop with zucchini nut bread at Purim. The Jewish Gardening Cookbook provides tasty vegetarian recipes so that what you grow can be enjoyed during holiday meals, bringing our biblical past into our lives as people who have a profound relationship with the Land of Israel.

Sudoku X (also known as "Diagonal Sudoku") is a placement puzzle. In this sudokus main diagonals also contain the digits 1 through 9. About Book This book introduces you to the amazing world of Sudoku X puzzles. It will help you understand the rules of this puzzle. This book is perfect for players of all skill levels and ages. You will find 200 exciting puzzles, both for beginners and for professionals. HOW TO PLAY It is a 9x9 grid, partially divided by black cells into compartments. The puzzle is most frequently a 9x9 grid made up of 3x3 subgrids (called "regions"). Some cells already contain numbers, known as "givens". The goal is to fill in the empty cells, one number in each, so that each column, row, and region contains the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once. Main diagonals also contain the digits 1 through 9. Each number in the solution therefore occurs only once in each of three "directions".

Desert Greenhouses explores the groundbreaking intersection of technology and agriculture, revealing how arid landscapes are being transformed into productive farmlands. It addresses the critical issue of food security in regions facing water scarcity by detailing how advanced irrigation techniques and climate control systems are revolutionizing desert farming. Traditional irrigation methods often lead to significant water wastage; however, innovations like drip irrigation are drastically improving water use efficiency. The book examines the science behind water management and the engineering of controlled environments. It progresses from foundational principles of plant physiology and soil science to detailed analyses of irrigation technologies and greenhouse designs. Case studies of successful desert greenhouse operations around the world highlight the practical applications of these concepts and technologies. Ultimately, Desert Greenhouses posits that integrating these technologies offers a sustainable path to food production in arid and semi-arid regions. The book emphasizes that adopting these methods can significantly contribute to food self-sufficiency and economic development in desert communities, presenting a valuable resource for those interested in sustainable agriculture and environmental science.

Whether viewed as a lawgiver, tyrant or martyr, James I has cast a long shadow over the history of Scotland. Michael Brown''s biography, the first full-length study in over fifty years, concludes that despite its apparent glamour and power, James I''s `golden age'' had shallow roots: after a life of drastically swinging fortunes, he met his end in a violent coup, a victim of his own methods.

Why we can’t stop fighting – and how to get great stuff done despite our differences Did you know you’re likely to have had over 89,000 heated altercations with your closest relations before you reached the age of eight? By age 16, thousands more hours will have been spent by most of us in some form of disagreement with those in our extended social networks. As a species, we’re well practised at falling out with each other. We may even have a gene for it – certainly, some of us seem to be gifted. When it comes to finding resolutions, however, things don''t come quite so naturally: as much as 90% of all interpersonal conflicts never reach agreement. But it doesn’t have to be this way. I Don’t Agree is a fascinating exploration of new, powerful and surprising solutions to an ancient problem: why we disagree so much. It shows how to sidestep our animosities and get great things done, despite our differences. Underpinned by cutting-edge research and academic thinking (as well as fascinating real-life case studies and easy-to-use tools), author and marketeer Michael Brown reveals the eye-opening secrets that can lead to better leadership, stronger teams, swifter promotions, more effective collaboration, better organisational culture – as well as radically improving your life outside of work. “Well researched, empathic and urgent. If the title makes you nervous, you probably need to read the book. Michael Brown wants to help us learn to listen so we can figure out how to move forward.” SETH GODIN Author, This is Marketing “In an age where rage is all the rage, here’s a manual for how we can agree to disagree and move forward. A pacey read written with hope, heart and a very welcome sense of humour.” VICTORIA HARPER Features Director, Daily Telegraph

In Moving Beyond Self-Interest, psychologists, neuroscientists, economists, and political scientists discuss and extend cutting-edge developments in the science of caring for and helping others. Their insights help readers appreciate the human capacity for engaging in altruistic acts, on both a small and large scale.

“Readers who enjoy plants and offbeat tales will find Brown’s book a happy mix” (Publishers Weekly). Mankind has always had a morbid fascination with poisonous plants. Over the centuries, poisonous plants have been used to remove garden pests—as well as unwanted rivals and deceitful partners. They have also been used for their medicinal qualities, as rather dangerous cosmetics, and even to help seduce a lover when perceived as an aphrodisiac. Some of these and other uses originate in a medieval book that has not yet been translated into English. This book delves into the history of these plants, covering such topics as: How shamans and priests used these plants for their magical attributes, as a means to foretell the future or to commune with the gods How a pot of basil helped to conceal a savage murder The truth about the mysterious mandrake A conundrum written by Jane Austen to entertain her family—the answer to which is one of the plants in this book These stories and many more will enlighten you on these treacherous and peculiar plants, their defensive and deadly traits, the facts behind them, and the folklore that has grown around them.