Contests are an important aspect of the lives of diverse animals, from sea anemones competing for space on a rocky shore to fallow deer stags contending for access to females. Why do animals fight? What determines when fights stop and which contestant wins? Addressing fundamental questions on contest behaviour, this volume presents theoretical and empirical perspectives across a range of species. The historical development of contest research, the evolutionary theory of both dyadic and multiparty contests, and approaches to experimental design and data analysis are discussed in the first chapters. This is followed by reviews of research in key animal taxa, from the use of aerial displays and assessment rules in butterflies and the developmental biology of weapons in beetles, through to interstate warfare in humans. The final chapter considers future directions and applications of contest research, making this a comprehensive resource for both graduate students and researchers in the field.

Southern Fiddlers and Fiddle Contests explores the phenomenon of American fiddle contests, which now have replaced dances as the main public event where American fiddlers get together. Chris Goertzen studies this change and what it means for audiences, musicians, traditions, and the future of southern fiddle music. Goertzen traces fiddling and fiddle contests from mid-eighteenth-century Scotland to the modern United States. He takes the reader on journeys to the important large contests, such as those in Hallettville, Texas; Galax, Virginia; Weiser, Idaho; and to smaller ones, including his favorite in Athens, Alabama. He reveals what happens on stage and during such off-stage activities as camping, jamming, and socializing, which many fiddlers consider much more important than the competition. Through multiple interviews, Goertzen also reveals the fiddlers' lives as told in their own words. The reader learns how and in what environments these fiddlers started playing, where they perform today, how they teach, what they think of contests, and what values they believe fiddling supports. Southern Fiddlers and Fiddle Contests shows how such contests have become living embodiments of American nostalgia.

In this completely revised and updated second edition of his best-selling book How to Win Lotteries, Sweepstakes, and Contests in the 21st Century (over 75,000 copies sold!), Steve Ledoux—America's Sweepstakes King—reveals the secrets that have enabled him to win thousands and thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. He also shares his skills in choosing lottery numbers, entering and winning sweepstakes and contests, and spotting illegal scams in this savvy collection of prize-winning strategies. Lottery and sweepstakes hopefuls learn how to find the right contests to enter, how to protect themselves from cheaters, and what to expect after winning, including how to deal with the IRS and give interviews to the media. Internet sweepstakes, contests, game shows, and resources complete this guide to winning the jackpot! Readers will learn: How to easily increase their chances of becoming a winner Strategies for choosing lottery numbers How to spot an illegal lottery, sweepstakes, or contest Where to find out about lotteries, sweepstakes, and contests taking place nationwide How to choose which lotteries, sweepstakes, and contests to enter What to expect after they've won their fortune-from dealing with the IRS to giving interviews to newspaper and television reporters

This collection is about writing contests, a vibrant rhetorical practice traceable to rhetorical performances in ancient Greece. In their discussion of contests’ cultural work, the scholars who have contributed to this collection uncover important questions about our practices. For example, educational contests as epideictic rhetoric do indeed celebrate writing, but does this celebration merely relieve educators of the responsibility of finding ways for all writers to succeed? Contests designed to reward single winners and singly-authored works admirably celebrate hard work, but do they over-emphasize exceptional individual achievement over shared goals and communal reward for success? Taking a cultural-rhetorical approach to contests, each chapter demonstrates the cultural work the contests accomplish. The essays in Part I examine contests and riddles in classical Greek and Roman periods, educational contests in eighteenth-century Scotland, and the Lyceum movement in the Antebellum American South. The next set of essays discusses how contests leverage competition and reward in educational settings: medieval universities, American turn-of-the-century women’s colleges, twenty-first century scholarship-essay contests, and writing contests for speakers of other languages at the University of Portsmouth. The last set of essays examines popular contests, including poetry contests in Youth Spoken Word, popular American contests designed by marketers, and twenty-first century podcasting competitions. This collection, then, takes up contests as a cultural marker of our values, assumptions, and relationships to writing, contests, and competition.

### Winning HAM Radio Contests Master the Airwaves and Dominate the Bands! Are you ready to take your HAM radio contesting to the next level? Whether you're a seasoned operator or a newcomer to the exciting world of radio competitions, "Winning HAM Radio Contests" is your ultimate guide to becoming a top contender. #### Dive Into the World of HAM Radio Competitions Explore the rich history and evolution of HAM radio contests, and get an overview of the most popular contests you can participate in today. Learn about various contest categories to find the one that suits your style, whether you prefer single or multi-operator setups, and high power or QRP. #### Optimize Your Setup for Victory Your equipment and station setup are crucial for contest success. Choose the right transceiver, amplifiers, and power supplies, and integrate advanced logging software seamlessly into your station. Discover optimal antenna strategies, from selection and placement to maintenance tips that will keep your signals clear and strong. #### Pre-Contest Preparation and Operating Techniques Ensure your station is ready for battle with thorough testing and troubleshooting. Analyze propagation predictions, set contest goals, and develop a strategic plan. Master essential operating techniques such as Running and Search & Pounce (S&P) to maximize your contacts and manage the chaos of pile-ups effectively. #### Maximizing Points, Managing Time, and Efficient Logging Understanding scoring rules and strategic multiplier hunting can significantly boost your score. Learn how to manage your time efficiently to keep up the pace throughout long contests, handle fatigue, and maintain accurate logs. Backup strategies and proper log submission ensure your hard-earned points are recognized. #### Analyze, Improve, and Thrive in Your Community Post-contest reviews help you learn from mistakes and set future goals. Network with fellow contesters, join clubs, and share knowledge to build a supportive contesting community. Maintain your health with ergonomic setups, proper hydration, and stress management techniques to keep you competing at your best. #### Advanced Strategies, Ethics, and Future Trends Employ advanced cluster spotting strategies and callsign recognition techniques. Adhere to contest rules and good sportsmanship to uphold the integrity of your efforts. Stay ahead with emerging technologies and innovations in contest formats, and keep learning with recommended resources. Unlock the secrets to dominating the airwaves with "Winning HAM Radio Contests," and transform your contesting skills today!