Have you ever played the addictive card game SET? Have you ever wondered about the connections between games and mathematics? If the answer to either question is "yes," then The Joy of SET is the book for you! The Joy of SET takes readers on a fascinating journey into this seemingly simple card game and reveals its surprisingly deep and diverse mathematical dimensions. Absolutely no mathematical background is necessary to enjoy this book--all you need is a sense of curiosity and adventure! Originally invented in 1974 by Marsha Falco and officially released in 1991, SET has gained a widespread, loyal following. SET's eighty-one cards consist of one, two, or three symbols of different shapes (diamond, oval, squiggle), shadings (solid, striped, open), and colors (green, purple, red). In order to win, players must identify "sets" of three cards for which each characteristic is the same--or different--on all the cards. SET's strategic and unique design opens connections to a plethora of mathematical disciplines, including geometry, modular arithmetic, combinatorics, probability, linear algebra, and computer simulations. The Joy of SET looks at these areas as well as avenues for further mathematical exploration. As the authors show, the relationship between SET and mathematics runs in both directions--playing this game has generated new mathematics, and the math has led to new questions about the game itself. The first book devoted to the mathematics of one of today's most popular card games, The Joy of SET will entertain and enlighten the game enthusiast in all of us.

The legendary comedy duo's Christmas Specials began in 1969, but the phenomenon exploded in 1971 when the first, lavish, extended Christmas production was broadcast.

Shirley Bassey sang in hobnail boots; Glenda Jackson was serenaded by an assortment of BBC Presenters and the Andre Previn sketch stole the show. From then on, every subsequent year demanded new stars and great sketches. Diana Rigg played Nell Gwynne, Elton John was sent the wrong way round Television Centre, Vanessa Redgrave starred in a Latin-American extravaganza and a leggy Angela Rippon emerged from behind the news desk to perform a legendary dance routine.

In their last year at the BBC, the show reached its peak as a record 28 million people tuned in to see a chorus line of newsreaders acrobatically dance and sing 'There Ain't Nothing Like a Dame', Penelope Keith climb awkwardly from an unfinished stairway and an unexpected return for Elton John.

Three films from legendary American director David Lynch. In 'The Elephant Man' (1980), John Merrick (John Hurt) is a brutalised man, treated as a freak since childhood because of his appalling physical deformities, until he is discovered by London doctor Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins), who treats him with the kindness and intelligence he deserves. Unfortunately, by awakening his true character the problems continue, for he can never lead a 'normal' life. In 'Mulholland Drive' (2001), having narrowly survived a murder attempt and a car crash, a shocked and wounded woman (Laura Elena Harring) takes refuge in a nearby apartment. When she is discovered the next morning by the apartment's official resident, aspiring actress Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), she confesses that she neither knows who she is nor what happened to her. The two women then begin to investigate, and it gradually becomes clear that they have known each other in the past. Meanwhile, a young film director (Justin Theroux) finds that the mob are taking an unusual interest in the casting of his latest film. Finally, in 'Inland Empire' (2006), Laura Dern plays Nikki Grace, an ingenue actress whose latest role in a Tennessee Williams-esque fright of a film tests her to her limits. A parallel storyline shows an earlier attempt to make this film in Poland which ended in tragedy when the two lead players were offed.

Three classic radio productions from the BBC archives starring Hannah Gordon, Tim Pigott-Smith, Paul Scofield and a host of celebrated acting talent. These three legendary plays, performed by some of the best-known theatrical actors of the 20th Century, are the perfect way to commemorate England's greatest dramatist. The Winter's Tale One man's consuming jealousy threatens to destroy both himself and those around him, but his actions arouse a passionate sense of honour, love, justice and self-sacrifice in members of his Court and family. First broadcast in 1982, starring Ronald Pickup as Leontes, with Hannah Gordon as Hermione and John Gielgud as Time. Pericles Pericles is haunted by Fate, buffeted by storms, driven from country to country and cruelly separated from his wife and daughter. Having endured the waywardness of Fortune, will he be reunited with his family? First broadcast in 1981, starring Tim Pigott-Smith as Pericles and Angharad Rees as Marina. The Tempest Set on an enchanted island ruled by the sorcerer Prospero, this spellbinding tale of magic, illusion, forgiveness and repentance is one of Shakespeare's greatest plays. First broadcast in 1974, starring Paul Scofield as Prospero and Patrick Stewart as Caliban. Recorded at BBC Broadcasting House and featuring the BBC Drama Repertory company, with specially composed music, this is classic radio drama at its finest. Duration: 7 hours 35 mins approx.

James Mason stars in this family drama set in Bolton in the late 1960s. Love and humour prevail as strict working class father Rafe Crompton (Mason) and his wife Daisy (Diana Coupland) struggle to cope with the ups and downs of bringing up their four children - Hilda (Susan George), Harold (Rodney Bewes), Florence (Hannah Gordon) and Wilfred (Len Jones) - against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society.