For several decades, the orthodox economics approach to understanding choice under risk has been to assume that each individual person maximizes some sort of personal utility function defined over purchasing power. This new volume contests that even the best wisdom from the orthodox theory has not yet been able to do better than supposedly naïve models that use rules of thumb, or that focus on the consumption possibilities and economic constraints facing the individual. The authors assert this by first revisiting the origins of orthodox theory. They then recount decades of failed attempts to obtain meaningful empirical validation or calibration of the theory. Estimated shapes and parameters of the "curves" have varied erratically from domain to domain (e.g., individual choice versus aggregate behavior), from context to context, from one elicitation mechanism to another, and even from the same individual at different time periods, sometimes just minutes apart. This book proposes the return to a simpler sort of scientific theory of risky choice, one that focuses not upon unobservable curves but rather upon the potentially observable opportunities and constraints facing decision makers. It argues that such an opportunities-based model offers superior possibilities for scientific advancement. At the very least, linear utility – in the presence of constraints - is a useful bar for the "curved" alternatives to clear.

For several decades, the orthodox economics approach to understanding choice under risk has been to assume that each individual person maximizes some sort of personal utility function defined over purchasing power. This new volume contests that even the best wisdom from the orthodox theory has not yet been able to do better than supposedly naïve models that use rules of thumb, or that focus on the consumption possibilities and economic constraints facing the individual. The authors assert this by first revisiting the origins of orthodox theory. They then recount decades of failed attempts to obtain meaningful empirical validation or calibration of the theory. Estimated shapes and parameters of the "curves" have varied erratically from domain to domain (e.g., individual choice versus aggregate behavior), from context to context, from one elicitation mechanism to another, and even from the same individual at different time periods, sometimes just minutes apart. This book proposes the return to a simpler sort of scientific theory of risky choice, one that focuses not upon unobservable curves but rather upon the potentially observable opportunities and constraints facing decision makers. It argues that such an opportunities-based model offers superior possibilities for scientific advancement. At the very least, linear utility – in the presence of constraints - is a useful bar for the "curved" alternatives to clear.

DANGEROUS CURVES AHEAD Sugar Jamison Ellis Garrett is dumping her critical boyfriend, opening a plus-size clothing store, and starting a blog—all to spread the word that fashion shouldn't require a size-two body, and happiness should allow for the occasional cupcake. Or two. But is indulging fantasies about her sister's long-ago ex, the still-hunky Michael Edwards, biting off more than she can chew? Mike must be losing his detective's touch. He doesn't recognize Ellis when he bumps into her at Size Me Up, and he certainly doesn't remember his ex-girlfriend's outspoken sister being so irresistible. Her curves are indeed dangerous—and so is her wit. Could it be that Ellis is his Perfect Fit? One thing's for sure: Mike will make it his sworn duty to find out...

NASCAR photographer Lacy McGowen never thought she’d capture the moment of death. Unable to watch another race after a fatal crash, she flees Pittsburgh to shoot weddings and capture the images of LA’s young, fashionable, and oh-so-spoiled. She’s desperate to get back to the racetrack but has no idea how to overcome the images that haunt her. Up-and-coming NASCAR driver Kip Sellars has a death wish. At least that’s what Lacy thinks when her best friend convinces her that cleaning up the young rookie’s image will be a breeze. Kip’s rude, arrogant, and unprofessional, not to mention scruffy, which shouldn’t be nearly as sexy as it is. What Lacey doesn’t know is that Kip’s penchant for trouble masks a secret she can never tell and a deal with the devil she never should have made. When love waits at the finish line, dangerous curves are a risk worth taking.

FBI agent Max Carpenter is assigned to protect irresistible DEA agent Rio Marshall. Babysitting duty. But for this mission, they'll be whisked away to Hawaii—for security purposes, of course—for sun, sand and plenty of hot, sweet sex… What Max doesn't know is that Rio has been assigned a task of her own. A task that will require using every asset in her considerable arsenal. However, when a real threat occurs, seduction is put on the back burner. But nothing—not even fear for their lives—can keep this scorching duo apart for long….

Book description to come.

This is not your run-of-the-mill fitness book. Developed by world-renowned gluteal expert Bret Contreras, Strong Curves offers an extensive fitness and nutrition guide for women seeking to improve their physique, function, strength, and mobility. Contreras spent the last eighteen years researching and field-testing the best methods for building better butts and shapelier bodies. In Strong Curves, he offers the programs that have proven effective time and time again with his clients, allowing you to develop lean muscle, rounded glutes, and greater confidence. Each page is packed with information decoding the female anatomy, providing a better understanding as to why most fitness programs fail to help women reach their goals. With a comprehensive nutritional guide and over 200 strength exercises, this book gets women off the treadmill and furnishes their drive to achieve strength, power, and sexy curves from head to toe. Although the glutes are the largest and most powerful muscle group in the human body, they often go dormant due to lifestyle choices, leading to a flat, saggy bum. Strong Curves is the cure.

Dangerous Curves warns of the hazards of illicit sex but also gives hope to those caught in its web. "Larry shows us how to live in purity of thought and action, assuring us that the victory Jesus gives over the power of temptation is more than sufficient to keep us from a pit of moral wreckage" Wayne Myers, president, The Great Commission Evangelistic Association. This book alerts readers to the vast array of temptations baiting all believers, especially those in leadership. It outlines various types of sexual aberrations and how to avoid those snares and live a life of moral purity and sexual integrity. Dangerous Curves reminds us that no one is invulnerable to temptation and the possibility of moral failure-no one! You will learn the following: - How to read the warning signs that your moral life is in danger. - How to guard your heart and your marriage from a fatal attraction. - How to discern the influences that can threaten a ministry and a marriage. - How ministries, marriages, and families can be destroyed by one fateful decision. - How to recognize the myths and lies we are prone to believe. - How a spouse can be of invaluable help in avoiding a catastrophe. - The horrendously high price of yielding to sexual sin. - How to navigate the dangerous curves in your spiritual journey. And much more. "This is a must-read for all leaders, those needing restoration, as well as those who want to become effective restorers." Bruce Gunkle, pastor, City of Refuge Christian Fellowship, San Antonio, Texas "I recommend that anyone who aspires to serve in the Kingdom of God, prayerfully read this book." Dr. Stanley A. Black, Missionary Evangelist, Hispanic International Ministries "Thank you, Larry, for shining a bright light on this important topic." Scott Stanek, pastor, Bastrop Christian Outreach Center, Bastrop, Texas

There is nothing sexier than confidence and when it comes to love and passion, size doesn’t matter. This anthology of nine stories ranges from sassy to sexy to sizzling, from contemporary to paranormal, and from new love to established relationships. What they all have in common is heroines who know they are more than the image they see in the mirror and who cannot be defined by the so-called rules of mainstream media. Here you’ll find: A woman who’s finally accepted herself and is not going to settle when it comes to her work or her love life. A wife who needs to seduce the husband who is afraid to love. A successful doctor facing down her high school bully and reconnecting with the man who loved her from afar. A midnight kiss that becomes more in the new year. A she-wolf discovering the vastness of her powers along with her soulmate. And more. These women are going for big dreams, facing important goals and changes, and living with a passion that leaves their lovers breathless and aching for more.