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14th International Conference on Soft Computing Models in Industrial and Environmental Applications: Seville, Spain, May 13th-15th, 2019 Proceedings (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #950)
by Héctor Quintián Emilio Corchado Francisco Martínez Álvarez Alicia Troncoso Lora José António Sáez MuñozThis book includes 57 papers presented at the SOCO 2019 conference held in the historic city of Seville (Spain), in May 2019. <P><P> Soft computing represents a set of computational techniques in machine learning, computer science and various engineering disciplines, which investigate, simulate, and analyze very complex issues and phenomena. <P><P> The selection of papers was extremely rigorous in order to maintain the high quality of the conference, which featured a number of special sessions, including sessions on: Soft Computing Methods in Manufacturing and Management Systems; Soft Computing Applications in the Field of Industrial and Environmental Enterprises; Optimization, Modeling and Control by Soft Computing Techniques; and Soft Computing in Aerospace, Mechanical and Civil Engineering: New methods and Industrial Applications.
14th International Conference on Theory and Application of Fuzzy Systems and Soft Computing – ICAFS-2020 (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #1306)
by Witold Pedrycz Janusz Kacprzyk Mo Jamshidi Rafik A. Aliev Fahreddin M. Sadikoglu Mustafa BabanliThis book presents the proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Applications of Fuzzy Systems, Soft Computing, and Artificial Intelligence Tools, ICAFS-2020, held in Budva, Montenegro, on August 27–28, 2020. It includes contributions from diverse areas of fuzzy systems, soft computing, AI tools such as uncertain computation, decision making under imperfect information, deep learning and others. The topics of the papers include theory and application of soft computing, neuro-fuzzy technology, intelligent control, deep learning–machine learning, fuzzy logic in data analytics, evolutionary computing, fuzzy logic and artificial intelligence in engineering, social sciences, business, economics, material sciences and others.
14th International Congress for Applied Mineralogy: Belgorod State Technological University named after V. G. Shukhov, 23–27 September 2019, Belgorod, Russia (Springer Proceedings in Earth and Environmental Sciences)
by Sergey GlagolevThis open access proceedings of the 14th International Council for Applied Mineralogy Congress (ICAM) in Belgorod, Russia cover a wide range of topics including applied mineralogy, advanced and construction materials, ore and industrial minerals, mineral exploration, cultural heritage, etc. It includes contributions to geometallurgy, industrial minerals, oil and gas reservoirs as well as stone artifacts and their preservation. The International Congress on Applied Mineralogy strengthens the relation between the research on applied mineralogy and the industry.
14th International Probabilistic Workshop
by Robby Caspeele, Luc Taerwe and Dirk ProskeThis book presents the proceedings of the 14th International Probabilistic Workshop that was held in Ghent, Belgium in December 2016. Probabilistic methods are currently of crucial importance for research and developments in the field of engineering, which face challenges presented by new materials and technologies and rapidly changing societal needs and values. Contemporary needs related to, for example, performance-based design, service-life design, life-cycle analysis, product optimization, assessment of existing structures and structural robustness give rise to new developments as well as accurate and practically applicable probabilistic and statistical engineering methods to support these developments. These proceedings are a valuable resource for anyone interested in contemporary developments in the field of probabilistic engineering applications.
14th WCEAM Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering)
by Adolfo Crespo Márquez Joe Amadi-Echendu Dragan KomljenovicThis book gathers selected peer-reviewed papers from the 14th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management (WCEAM), which was held in Singapore on 28–31 July 2019, as well as papers presented during the 1st WCEAMOnline event which focused on the ramifications of Covid-19 on infrastructure systems.This book covers a wide range of topics in engineering asset management, including:asset management services provisioning;servitization;decision-making;asset management systems;industrial Internet of things; andvulnerability and resilience of infrastructure systems. The breadth and depth of these state-of-the-art, comprehensive proceedings make them an excellent resource for asset management practitioners, researchers and academics, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students.
14–18: Understanding the Great War
by Annette Becker Stéphane Audoin-RouzeauWith this brilliantly innovative book, reissued for the one-hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, Stéphane Audoin-Rouzeau and Annette Becker have shown that the Great War was the matrix from which all subsequent disasters of the twentieth century were formed. They identify three often neglected or denied aspects of the conflict that are essential for understanding the war: First, what inspired its unprecedented physical brutality, and what were the effects of tolerating such violence? Second, how did citizens of the belligerent states come to be driven by vehement nationalistic and racist impulses? Third, how did the tens of millions bereaved by the war come to terms with the agonizing pain? With its strikingly original interpretative strength and its wealth of compelling documentary evidence, 14–18: Understanding the Great War has established itself as a classic in the history of modern warfare.
15 Herbs for Tea: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-184
by Marian SebastianoBrew a Fragrant “Cuppa” Straight From Your Own Garden!Growing your own herbal teas can be just as therapeutic as drinking them. The tea garden is a sensory delight, producing colors, aromas, and flavors to enjoy throughout the seasons. The plants are easy to grow and you don’t need a large area – even a few small containers will do. By drying the tea herbs and then blending and packaging them in your own unique way, you can share the bounty of your garden with appreciative friends and family.In 15 Herbs for Tea you’ll find everything you need to know about growing and using tea herbs, from information on planting and maintaining your herb bed to how to harvest, dry, and blend the herbs. In case you don’t have the time and energy to grow your own tea herbs, you’ll find a list of sources for buying them in bulk. Best of all, you’ll learn how to brew a delicious cup of tea!
15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: …And the Truth We Need to Succeed
by Bonnie HammerUSA TODAY BESTSELLER &“A book to gift to your sister, mother, friend, aunt, best friend, and beyond, and it&’s filled with the wisdom that exponentially transforms your career and life.&” —Maria Shriver&’s Sunday Paper A masterclass in success from the mailroom to the boardroom from one of the most powerful women in corporate America, discover the un-common-sense women need to succeed—and the lies to ignore along the way.Bonnie Hammer&’s legendary career spans five decades in a turbulent, male-driven industry. Today, Bonnie is a powerful leader at the very top of her field, and women at all levels constantly ask her: What is your secret to success? Her power—and her staying power—comes from rejecting common myths about how women are &“supposed&” to act in the workplace. She knows that the traditional wisdom women are told about work—pithy phrases like &“don&’t mix work with play,&” &“talk is cheap,&” &“follow your dreams,&” &“know your worth,&” &“trust your gut,&” and &“you can have it all&”—hold women back. Having risen from an entry-level production assistant whose chief charge was a dog, to a transformative, top executive at NBCUniversal, Bonnie challenges conventional workplace wisdom and shares the uncommon sense women need to succeed. Bonnie has mentored countless women in every industry, and she leads NBCUniversal&’s masterclass for female executives. She&’s known for telling the uncensored and uncompromising truth—even when it isn&’t easy to hear. Now, she gives you, the reader, her private masterclass—replacing the lies women have been fed about work with her unique time-tested wisdom. You will leave with powerful new truths and easily digestible, practical advice to apply in your own life. Written with humor and heart, and full of insights and research that illuminate her points, 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work is a portable mentor for working women. It doesn&’t just explain one woman&’s rise to the top in a tough industry; it shows how any woman can rise as high as she wants in her own work world.
15 Miles
by Rob ScottSamuel 'Sailor' Doyle has transferred from Vice to Homicide in the Virginia State Police. He has a mistress, an alcohol problem, a prescription drug dependency, and a burgeoning self-loathing that alienates his wife and family.On Friday 3 July, the rookie investigator is assigned to a double homicide on a rural farm some 15 miles outside Richmond. One of the victims has been interred in a makeshift tomb, while the other is stuck half-in, half-out of a hope chest overflowing with cat litter. And the farm is covered with dead bodies: dozens of cats, sheep, goats, cows, and one dead horse. The mentally handicapped daughter of the victims, Carl and Claire Bruckner, is missing.Doyle soon discovers that Bruckner was a Marine captain who lost his leg in Vietnam thanks to the incompetence of his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lake - now retired General Robert Lake, and Republican Party presidential hopeful, who will be speaking in Richmond on July fourth - the following evening. What Doyle fails to realise as he follows the various clues is that wherever he goes, he is spreading disease - and not just any disease, but Yersinia pestis. The plague.Is the dead Marine planning revenge, even from beyond the grave?
15 Miles
by Rob ScottSamuel 'Sailor' Doyle has transferred from Vice to Homicide in the Virginia State Police. He has a mistress, an alcohol problem, a prescription drug dependency, and a burgeoning self-loathing that alienates his wife and family.On Friday 3 July, the rookie investigator is assigned to a double homicide on a rural farm some 15 miles outside Richmond. One of the victims has been interred in a makeshift tomb, while the other is stuck half-in, half-out of a hope chest overflowing with cat litter. And the farm is covered with dead bodies: dozens of cats, sheep, goats, cows, and one dead horse. The mentally handicapped daughter of the victims, Carl and Claire Bruckner, is missing.Doyle soon discovers that Bruckner was a Marine captain who lost his leg in Vietnam thanks to the incompetence of his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lake - now retired General Robert Lake, and Republican Party presidential hopeful, who will be speaking in Richmond on July fourth - the following evening. What Doyle fails to realise as he follows the various clues is that wherever he goes, he is spreading disease - and not just any disease, but Yersinia pestis. The plague.Is the dead Marine planning revenge, even from beyond the grave?
15 Minute Meals: The Path to Permanent Business Success
by Ali RosenEfficient, Delicious, Lazy Dinner Ideas“…15 Minute Meals is an absolute game-changer for parents who strive to nourish their kids without compromising on taste or quality.” ―Leah Cohen, professional chef, tv host, and cookbook author#1 Best Seller in Budget Cooking, Cookbooks Food & Wine, Quick & Easy Cooking, Natural Food Cooking, and Gourmet CookingDiscover the ultimate time-saving solution with 15 Minute Meals. This indispensable guide to fast, flavorful, and healthy family recipes by James Beard, IACP, and Emmy-Nominated Ali Rosen features step-by-step instructions for super quick dinner ideas—actually ready in 15 minutes—to satisfy the busiest person. The ultimate convenience. Full of flavorful dishes packed with no-prep vegetables, this quick meals cookbook provides step-by-step instructions for fast meals without sacrificing taste or quality. Whether you're a busy mom in need of last minute dinner ideas or are seeking easy, fast recipes for dinner, this collection of healthy quick meals transforms your everyday cooking experience.Goodbye stress, hello delicious simplicity. Designed for effortless, satisfying meals, this cookbook presents a variety of quick ideas for dinner that require minimal time and effort. Embrace the convenience of frozen vegetables meals and discover the secrets of healthy, lazy dinner ideas. 15 Minute Meals is your ticket to stress-free, flavorful meals in no time.Inside find:Time-saving tips for preparing meals with no-prep vegetablesStep-by-step speedy cooking, perfect for busy individuals and familiesA must-have resource for those seeking flavorful, healthy family recipes on busy daysIf you liked Natasha's Kitchen, Quick Prep Paleo, or Flavcity's 5 Ingredient Meals, you’ll love 15 Minute Meals.
15 Minutes
by Steve YoungIt's not that Casey Little is always late. It's just that everything starts a little too early. But when Casey discovers a weird little time machine, he figures he'll never be late again. Unfortunately, it's not a very good time machine. It can only go back 15 minutes. And it seems to have a mind of its own. Still -- what could possibly go wrong?
15 Minutes Alone with God
by Emilie BarnesA devotional for every busy woman who finds it hard to squeeze in a consistent "quiet time" and Bible reading. Each devotion takes 15 minutes or less and contains a key verse, an uplifting meditation, and several "Thoughts for Action."
15 Minutes of Flame (Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery #3)
by Christin BrecherAs Stella Wright&’s Nantucket candle store thrives, her knack for solving mysteries burns equally bright—especially when a Halloween haunted house uncovers evidence of a centuries-old murder . . . When Stella&’s friend inherits a creaky, abandoned home in Nantucket, she knows it&’s the perfect setting for the town&’s annual Halloween fundraiser. A deserted, boarded-up building on the property—once used as a candle-making shop—adds to the creepy ambiance. But as Stella explores the shack&’s dilapidated walls, she discovers a terrible secret: the skeleton of a Quaker woman, wrapped in blood-soaked clothing and hidden deep within a stone hearth . . . While police investigate, Stella wastes no time asking for help from friends with long ties to Nantucket&’s intricate history. The key to the murder may lie within a scorching 18th century love triangle that pit two best friends against one another over a dubious man. But before the case is solved, another life will be claimed—leaving Stella to wonder who in Nantucket is friend, and who is foe . . . Praise for Murder&’s No Votive Confidence &“A charming mystery with believable, likeable characters. Check it out.&”—Suspense Magazine
15 Minutes to Fit
by Jeff O'Connell Zuzka LightYouTube workout video star Zuzka Light presents her long-awaited debut fitness book, with a 30-day fitness regime of powerful, effective 15-minute workouts. Filming first from a tiny basement in Prague, and eventually settling in Los Angeles, Zuzka Light has single-handedly ushered in the YouTube fitness revolution. Viewers love Light for her short, ferociously effective workouts and her in-the-trenches, never-give-up positive attitude--and she's racked up more than half a billion views to prove it.Now, finally, comes 15 Minutes to Fit, Light's hotly anticipated debut, with a 30-day fitness plan guaranteed to burn fat and build ripped muscles. Based on innovative high-intensity interval training, the workouts in 15 Minutes to Fit are designed to be done anywhere, anytime (no fancy gym equipment necessary), in just 15 minutes a day. This book takes the guesswork out of the workout, providing: * A 30-day workout plan to whip your body into shape--in 15 minutes a day or less * A companion meal plan, with delicious and healthful recipes for each day * Step-by-step photographs throughout to illustrate proper form for the workouts * Quick facts on health and nutrition to help readers separate fact from fiction * Support and motivation from Light, who overcame many obstacles to become the female face of fitnessAs Light says, "Give me 15 minutes a day and I'll give you a badass body." Coauthored by New York Times-bestselling author Jeff O'Connell, 15 Minutes to Fit is the book legions of fans have been waiting for.
15 Minutes to a Great Dog
by Kevin Michalowski Michalowski KevinYou Now Have Time to Train a Dog!All it takes is 15 minutes!This expanded second edition shows dog owners proven, effective tips for training any dog in just minutes a day. You don't need special skills or expensive equipment and you don't need hour upon hour of free time. Short simple training sessions work best.Teaching any dog basic obedience skills can be done just about anywhere and will work on dogs of all ages and breeds. Repetition and consistency are the keys to making dogs behave.This expanded edition not only provides proven tips anyone can use, it also includes an expanded chapter on canine nutrition and information on traveling with your pet.Take the drudgery out of training, keep the training fun for both you and the dog and watch the amazing results in as little as 15 minutes each day.
15 Minutes to a Great Puppy
by Kevin MichalowskiDiscover the 15-Minute Miracle!Puppies bring great joy to our lives, but they also present us with special challenges. Everyone wants a well-behaved dog that is a joy to be around, but who has time for training a puppy? You do - and if you do it right, it will only take 15 minutes of your time each day.Kevin Michalowski's formula for a great puppy is a proven winner for time strapped pet owners. He teaches us that dog training is all about short, effective sessions. His plan is so simple and easy that anyone can follow it.This book is a must-have for anyone who is thinking about getting a puppy. It is packed with great, practical information to help you get ready for your new dog to help you with all the basic training lessons.You'll discover how to:Prepare yourself - mentally and physically - for getting a dogPick the right puppy for your lifestyle - includes a quick-reference breed guideHousebreak your dog that easy way, thanks to the crate and the scheduleTeach the four basic commands: Sit, Come, Heel and DownCure problems such as chewing, jumping and aggressionMonitor your dog's health and give it a happy lifeYour puppy will become your best friend - and with just 15 minutes of training per day, he can also become the well-behaved dog of your dreams.
15 Minutes: General Curtis LeMay and the Countdown to Nuclear Annihilation
by L. Douglas KeeneyPacked with startling revelations, this inside look at the secret side of the Cold War exposes just how close America came to total annihilation During the Cold War, a flight crew had 15 minutes to get their nuke-laden plane in the air from the moment Soviet bombers were detected—15 minutes between the earliest warning of an incoming nuclear strike and the first flash of an enemy warhead. This is the chilling true story of the incredibly risky steps our military took to protect us from that scenario, including: • Over two thousand loaded bombers that crossed American skies. They sometimes crashed and at least nine times resulted in nuclear weapons being accidentally dropped • A system that would use timers and rockets to launch missiles even after everyone was dead • Disastrous atmospheric nuclear testing including the horrific runaway bomb—that fooled scientists and put thousands of men in uniform in the center of a cloud of hot fallout • A plan to use dry lake beds to rebuild and launch a fighting force in the aftermath of nuclear war Based on formerly classified documents, military records, press accounts, interviews and over 10 years of research, 15 Minutes is one of the most important works on the atom bomb ever written.
15 New Testament Words of Life: A New Testament Theology for Real Life
by Nijay K. GuptaIn 15 New Testament Words of Life, biblical scholar Nijay Gupta explores some of the most important New Testament words:RighteousnessGospelForgivenessLifeCrossFaithGraceFellowshipHopeSalvationPeaceReligionHolinessLoveWitnessThese are familiar terms in the Christian vocabulary, but many don&’t know the original background and theological importance of these words, and how they can be life-giving for Christian faith and life today. To access the deep meaning of these words in the theological vocabulary of the New Testament writers, Gupta discusses each word within a key text and interprets it in three contexts:Canonical—how the New Testament is grounded in the OldLiterary—the meaning developed within the key textHistorical—the Jewish and Greco-Roman world of the first centuryFor those first hearers of the gospel who chose to follow Jesus, these words were the words of life, and they can be once again for Jesus-followers in the modern world. With Gupta&’s skilled guidance, readers will find their engagement with the New Testament revitalized as they begin to understand how these inspiring ancient words can still be captivating, thought-provoking, and worldview-shaping words for real life today.While the New Testament is full of depth and complexity, its most important ideas have a profound simplicity to them. In this collection of word studies, Nijay Gupta explores foundational themes in New Testament theology, but in a very accessible way. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of some of the most essential concepts in Christian belief, this book is for you!—TIM MACKIE, cofounder of the Bible Project"Not only does Nijay Gupta define important New Testament terms and illustrate their significance for today, he also models a strategy for how a Bible reader might approach the exploration of biblical ideas. 15 New Testament Words of Life is an introduction to New Testament theology that invites readers to study the Bible by investigating key concepts that frequently appear in books, sermons, and even casual conversations. Gupta&’s scholarship and cultural awareness combine to make the work a necessary resource for preachers, teachers, and all other curious Bible readers. I am eager for my students to read it."—DENNIS R. EDWARDS, Associate professor of New Testament, North Park Theological Seminary"Nijay Gupta has provided the church and its pastors with a remarkable resource. Wearing his deep learning lightly, he winsomely portrays how the New Testament writers draw on the Old Testament to theologize in ways that are immensely hopeful and intensely practical. A book like this is just what the church needs today—a rich biblical theology that speaks words of life to the lives of the people of God in our increasingly fraught and complex world."—DERWIN L. GRAY, Cofounder and lead pastor of Transformation Church, author of How to Heal Our Racial Divide"Do you suspect there's more to the Christian faith than what you&’re hearing? Dr. Gupta brings the best of biblical scholarship to the pews, where standard Christian ways of talking about things have grown stale. By highlighting these fifteen key words, he opens a whole new world of understanding that will reinvigorate Christian practice. If you are hungry to move beyond clichés, this book is your invitation to a nourishing feast."—CARMEN JOY IMES, Associate professor of Old Testament, Biola University, author of Bearing God&’s Name
15 Seconds
by Andrew Gross15 seconds can tear your life apart . . .Henry Steadman didn't know what was about to hit him when he pulled up to a red light. A successful Florida plastic surgeon, he is in town to deliver a keynote address at a conference when suddenly his life becomes an unrelenting chase to stay alive. Stopped by the police for a minor traffic violation, the situation escalates and he is pulled from his vehicle, handcuffed and told he is under arrest. Several other police cars arrive and the questioning turns scary, but just as Henry is released and about to move on, a blue sedan pulls up and the officer is suddenly killed. As the car speeds away, there is only one suspect left behind-Henry. In that moment, his idyllic life becomes a free fall into hell as he becomes the target of a police manhunt, as well as being pursued by a cunning, unnamed perpetrator bent on some kind of vengeance.When Henry turns to a close friend for help, and he, too, ends up dead, Henry realizes he's being elaborately framed. But in a chilling twist, the stakes grow even darker, and he is unable to go to the police to clear his name, without bringing on dire and deadly consequences. With breakneck pacing and nonstop action, 15 Seconds shows what can happen when even the best life is turned upside down in an instant. It is also the story of an innocent man, framed for murder, who has to save the person he loves the most, all while being drawn closer and closer to an inevitable face-to-face standoff with a man determined to destroy his life.
15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management: The Productivity Habits of 7 Billionaires, 13 Olympic Athletes, 29 Straight-A Students, and 239 Entrepreneurs
by Kevin KruseDouble Your Productivity Without Feeling Overworked and Overwhelmed. What if a few new habits could dramatically increase your productivity, and even 5x or 10x it in key areas? What if you could get an an hour a day to read, exercise, or to spend with your family. New York Times bestselling author, Kevin Kruse, presents the remarkable findings of his study of ultra-productive people. Based on survey research and interviews with billionaires, Olympic athletes, straight-A students, and over 200 entrepreneurs—-including Mark Cuban, Kevin Harrington, James Altucher, John Lee Dumas, Pat Flynn, Grant Cardone, and Lewis Howes—-Kruse answers the question: what are the secrets to extreme productivity? In this book, you'll learn: <P><P> Why millionaires don't use to-do lists (and what they DO use)<br /> How to cure procrastination with the “Time Travel” trick<br /> How the Harvard "DDR Questions" save 8 hours a week<br /> How to identify your REAL priorities<br /> How to get to zero emails in your inbox using 321Zero<br /> How the simple E-3C system will double your productivity<br /> How to reduce stress with the Richard Branson Tool<br /> How to leave work at 5:00 without feeling guilty<br /> How to run meetings like Apple, Google & Virgin<br /> How to conquer social media distractions<br /> BONUS: QUIZ - Discover Your Time Personality<br /> BONUS: 100+ Time Management Quotes<br />
15 Secrets to Survival
by Natalie D. RichardsNew York Times bestselling author Natalie D. Richards's middle grade debut about a group of four classmates forced to navigate the wilderness for an extra credit project with nothing but the pages of a survival handbook—and each other—to save them. When classmates Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson break a school rule, they&’re forced to travel to the middle of nowhere for an extra credit project. They think things can&’t get much worse. After all, how will learning to survive in the wilderness help them stay out of trouble in school? What starts off as a weekend of team building takes a scary turn when their instructor goes missing and they are given nothing but pages of a survival guide to complete a series of challenges. They soon learn the woods around them have unexpected surprises. Will they discover a way to work together to find their teacher and overcome the dangers of winter in the mountains? A recommended choice for classroom discussions on earth science and educators looking for survival books for kids.
15 Sports Myths and Why They're Wrong
by Rodney Fort Jason WinfreeIn "15 Sports Myths and Why Theyre Wrong," authors Rodney Fort and Jason Winfree apply sharp economic analysis to bust some of the most widespread urban legends about college and professional athletics. Each chapter takes apart a common misconception, showing how the assumptions behind it fail to add up. Fort and Winfree reveal how these myths perpetuate themselves and, ultimately, how they serve a handful of powerful parties--such as franchise owners, reporters, and players--at the expense of the larger community of sports fans. From the idea that team owners and managers are inept to the notion that revenue-generating college sports pay for athletics that dont attract fans (and their cash), "15 Sports Myths and Why Theyre Wrong" strips down pervasive accounts of how our favorite games function, allowing us to look at them in a new, more informed way. Fort and Winfree argue that substituting the intuitive appeal of emotionally charged myths with rigorous, informed explanations weakens the power of these tall tales and their tight hold on the sports we love. Readers will emerge with a clearer picture of the forces at work within the sports world and a better understanding of why these myths matter--and are worthy of a takedown.
15 Stars: Three Generals Who Saved the American Century
by Stanley WeintraubIn the closing days of World War II, America looked up to three five-star generals as its greatest heroes. George C. Marshall, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Douglas MacArthur personified victory, from the Pentagon to Normandy to the Far East. Counterparts and on occasion competitors, they had leapfrogged each other, sometimes stonewalled each other, even supported and protected each other throughout their celebrated careers. In the public mind they stood for glamour, integrity, and competence. But for dramatic twists of circumstance, all three -- rather than only one -- might have occupied the White House. The story of their interconnected lives opens a fascinating window onto some of the twentieth century's most crucial events, revealing the personalities behind the public images and showing how much of a difference three men can make. Marshall and MacArthur were contemporaries and competitors. Eisenhower was MacArthur's underling, then Marshall's deputy, before becoming MacArthur's counterpart as a supreme commander, Ike in Western Europe, MacArthur in the Pacific. Each of the three five-star generals would go on to extraordinary postwar careers: MacArthur as a virtual viceroy of Japan, overseeing its transition to a new constitutional democracy, and then leading the UN forces in the Korean War; Marshall as secretary of state, author of the Marshall Plan, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize; Eisenhower as president. Fifteen Stars presents the intertwined lives of these three great men against the sweeping background of six unforgettable decades, from two world wars to the Cold War. It is history at its most dramatic yet most personal -- a triumph for Stanley Weintraub, our preeminent military historian.