Risky Curves

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.

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.

Plus-sized fashionista Ellis Garrett and detective Mike Edwards wonder if they can pursue a relationship, seeing as Mike is Ellis's sister's ex.

Book description to come.

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….

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

Jax Hamill is a man who has changed his life - with lots of hard work and even more dumb luck. He's left the hell of his younger and wilder days behind, and now he has a bar, a house, a truck, and a motorcycle. Oh, and all the casual sex in a bar back room that a man like him may desire. Jax lives his carefree life for 'now', and keeps things 'temporary'. At least he did...until she threw everything he thought in to question. Sarah Matthews is a woman who would love to change her life in some ways. By default and sheer bad luck, she juggles a staggering number of responsibilities, both personal and professional. She's single, stressed, and seriously in need of some fun. If only she could escape her overly-scheduled, vanilla life, and cut loose... just for a little while. When Jax and Sarah decide to get together - just temporarily and just for fun - it changes both of their lives for the better. But when a man from Sarah's past returns, it changes everything for the worse. In fact, it couldn't be worse. As Sarah fights to come back to him, Jax is forced to confront the kind of person he was, who he is now, and the kind of man that he wants to be... both for Sarah, and for himself.

Selena Russo wins the coveted spot as a full-figured spokesmodel for the Rubenesque Romantix clothing line in Paris. But when death threats against her heat up, Logan, an ex-Navy SEAL, becomes her bodyguard. It's his pleasure to cover the body of the seductive, curvy, temptress, both in and out of the bedroom, as their romance burns up the sheets.