Filled with stories that are both educational and enlightening, The Southern Cross recognizes the five virtues of the 19th-century Christian soldier. These are: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor and Mercy. Each of these positive character traits is illustrated by some of the most inspirational stories to come out of the War Between the States. Every devotion contains a relevant verse of Scripture, an associated quote and a short vignette on a related topic. There are forty of these uplifting devotions, ten encouraging essays, a special sermon that was presented to the soldiers in the field and a short biographical tribute to six of the South's most pious commanders. A bonus study-guide will enable the user to read the Bible in one-year is also included.

There are countless volumes celebrating the best teams in professional baseball. Unfortunately, winning represents only one side of the game. For every champion's record-setting season, there has been an equally memorable story of defeat. These teams and their shameful contributions to America's national pastime have been a neglected topic in baseball history. Until now. In You Stink! , two fanatical historians (or historian fans), Michael Aubrecht and Eric Wittenberg, give credit where it is far overdue with a statistically backed, satiric look at the worst teams and individuals ever to set foot on a diamond. You Stink! includes franchise origins, detailed stats, player profiles, photos, and more, as well as a collection of long-format essays in a ""Hall of Shame"" that recognizes some of the worst moments ever witnessed on a ball field. The first half of the book is based entirely on statistical data; in the second half, the authors give their personal opinions. With an insightful foreword by Dave Raymond, the original ""Philly Phanatic,"" You Stink! showcases disappointments on the diamond dating as far back as 1889. Readers are treated to stories of the worst teams, players, owners, calls, fans, plays, and more. A timeline of Major League terribleness and an assortment of quotations about losing complement this unique survey of shame. Ultimately, You Stink! celebrates a sport that gives us more than just wins and losses and drives to the heart of what all of us love about baseball. Fans bond with their teams, and everyone can relate to suffering through slumps. Watching our heroes stumble through ineptitude, boneheaded plays, and heartbreaking losses makes the celebration all the sweeter when victory finally comes.