Urbane real estate investor Charles Byrne and hustling news editor George J. Taylor joined forces in 1883 to create the club that would become the Brooklyn Dodgers. Nicknamed the "Bridegrooms" by sportswriters after several players got married, they won their first major league pennants in 1889 and 1890 under pioneering manager Bill "Gunner" McGunnigle. This first history of the birth of the Dodgers franchise chronicles the owners' efforts to build the team, woo fans, and oversee the antics of the colorful cast of athletes--with nicknames like "Adonis," "Needles," and "Oyster"--who filled the Bridegrooms' roster.
Pro Data Visualization using R and JavaScript makes the R language approachable, and promotes the idea of data gathering and analysis. You'll see how to use R to interrogate and analyze your data, and then use the D3 JavaScript library to format and display that data in an elegant, informative, and interactive way. You will learn how to gather data effectively, and also how to understand the philosophy and implementation of each type of chart, so as to be able to represent the results visually. With the popularity of the R language, the art and practice of creating data visualizations is no longer the preserve of mathematicians, statisticians, or cartographers. As technology leaders, we can gather metrics around what we do and use data visualizations to communicate that information. Pro Data Visualization using R and JavaScript combines the power of the R language with the simplicity and familiarity of JavaScript to display clear and informative data visualizations. Gathering and analyzing empirical data is the key to truly understanding anything. We can track operational metrics to quantify the health of our products in production. We can track quality metrics of our projects, and even use our data to identify bad code. Visualizing this data allows anyone to read our analysis and easily get a deep understanding of the story the data tells.
Enterprise-Scale Agile Software Development is the collective sum of knowledge accumulated during the full-scale transition of a 1400-person organization to agile development-considered the largest implementation of agile development and Scrum ever attempted anywhere in the world. Now James Schiel, a certified Scrum trainer and member of the Scrum
Being a jockey is more than a career, it's a way of life. The glitz and glamour of the show may belie all the time and effort that goes into it, but the life of a jockey entails a great deal of risk, personal sacrifice and hardship. Often viewed as second-rate athletes, partly because of their small size, these riders are in actuality some of the toughest men in the athletic world. Pound for pound, they are unmatched in physical prowess. Controlling and guiding large thoroughbreds requires a great deal of strength and skill. In addition, there is little room for error during the close-run, high-speed races where the necessity of implementing a winning strategy makes the sport mentally as well as physically taxing. This volume provides an in-depth look at the self-employed, independent contractor known as the jockey and the all-encompassing culture of the race track he calls home. The book details the qualities and abilities of the successful jockey, the transitory nature of horse racing, the jockey's constant battle regarding weight, the financial motivation of the sport and the close-knit nature of the profession. Interviews with over 100 jockeys including Hall of Famers Pat Day, Earlie Fires and Russell Baze, add a personal focus and give the reader an inside glimpse into the world of horse racing. The last chapter includes brief biographical sketches of the most influential riders from the last 50 years.
Tilly Redbrow doesn't just love horses - she lives, breathes and dreams them too! Top eventer, Livvy James, asks Tilly to groom for her at Luhmuhlen where she is competing on her three-star horse, Seasonal Seer. Tilly's thrilled to be at an international event with so many famous horses and riders, but she's sad to be apart from Magic Spirit. Then disaster strikes and Tilly realises just how important team work is at every level, every second of the day! Packed with expert advice from champion rider and GRAND SLAM winner, Pippa Funnell, on everything you ever wanted to know about horses, and perfect for all fans of NATIONAL VELVET and Lauren St John's One Dollar Horse trilogy.
The Virgin Groom ~ He was every kid's idol, every man's envy, every woman's fantasy. And then Mac Macready's fiancée dumped him, and his future was looking mighty uncertain. The most shocking thing of all was that the only woman who could save him was notorious Jewel Whitelaw.… The Substitute Groom ~ He'd taught his best friend's girl how to kiss—and had never forgotten the touch of Jennifer Wright's lips. And now that Huck couldn't marry Jenny, U.S. Air Force major Colt Whitelaw vowed to make the ultimate sacrifice. But first Colt needed to convince Jenny this was right— so he drew her close once more.…
Travel to western Nigeria, where the Yoruba people reside, and immerse yourself in their culture and traditions. In this gripping personal story, follow the life of John, born to royalty, and experience his journey into adulthood amidst numerous challenges. John's story begins at his birth, with the expected discipline and training in place in preparation for his rule as king after his father's demise. Along the way, learn about the social and cultural practices of the Yoruba people, including their belief in divination through the Ifa religion and their worship of various gods and goddesses. As John continues to grow, witness his elementary school experiences, focusing on his teachers’ dedication and the ingenuity of the western-region government as it introduces and implements compulsory primary education. John's life takes a turn when he goes to live with his uncle, a pastor in another city far from home. As years pass, John loses contact with his parents, leading him on a voyage of self-discovery. Readers will gain a deep understanding and appreciation of the values, cultures, and religions of the Yoruba people, as well as insights into the challenges faced by all who live in this diverse and complex society. Keenly detailed, and with vivid storytelling, discover the richness of Yoruba history and traditions and experience an unforgettable journey through the eyes of a young African prince. This captivating story illuminates the beauty and diversity of western Nigeria.
POLO IS NOT JUST THE GAME OF KINGS. IT’S A BLOOD SPORT IN THE PERFECT 10. The final of the US Open is just days away, and Juancito Harrington, the world’s best polo player, is found dead in a posh Palm Beach hotel suite. The good news is that Palm Beach P.D. quickly identifies the trophy wife of Juancito’s team owner as the primary suspect. The bad news is that everyone in polo knows that Kelly Dick doesn’t murder her lovers. She recycles them. Only one man can crack the case: Rick Hunt, a West Point graduate currently assigned to the White House. Hunt is no detective, but he’s a lifelong polo player who needs no introduction to the world’s top pros. Or his ex-fiancée. Or her new boyfriend, an old teammate with a score to settle.
