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The Art of Cheating
by Jessica Dorfman JonesCheat? ME? Never!!! Well, except that one time... Who says you should always tell the truth? With this handy informational guidebook you can con your way through life -- from finessing your resume, to lying about your age, to getting a date. Whether you've decided to cheat out of sheer desperation or the need to get ahead, The Art of Cheating provides essential tips and guidelines for how to be the ultimate swindler, and how to spot the con artists among us. You'll learn what it takes to be a great cheater, and the pros and cons to every swindle. As a newly minted master of deception, you'll be able to cheat: ¥ On a diet ¥ On your spouse or significant other (or both!) ¥ On your taxes ¥ On standardized tests ¥ Death And more! With clever illustrations and humorous deadpan delivery, The Art ofCheating will have you sleeping your way to the top, faking an illness, and forging someone else's handwriting -- without batting an eye.
The Art of Comedy: Getting Serious About Being Funny
by Paul RyanLong-time Hollywood comedy acting coach Ryan explains how to create comedy using such tools as a comedy notebook, sketching a comedy character, and taking improvisation into the written scene. He intersperses exercises progressing from beginning through intermediate to advanced. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc. , Portland, OR (booknews. com)
The Art of Drag: A Practical Performers’ Handbook
by Michael TwaitsThe Art of Drag: A Practical Performers’ Handbook is the ultimate guide for all drag kings, queens and queers who want to bring their best to the stage.Filled with a wide range of exercises and advice from working performers, this book is a guide and support for every working drag act, but also the drag-curious wanting to step a sequinned toe onto the stage for the first time. The book focuses on practical performance advice for creating new work, refining existing work and exploring new skills and perspectives from the world of drag. It also includes: Practical performance tips demystifying live performance skills such as singing, lip-sync, impersonation and comedy. Top tips on how to get bookings, get paid and make a profit. Advice on how to communicate with an audience and create an unforgettable live experience. Interviews with seven sensational acts who discuss how they use the art of drag: Adam All, Simply Barbra, Ada Campe, Hugo Grrrl, Le Fil, Me the Drag Queen and Son of a Tutu. Written by a drag act, for drag acts, The Art of Drag is an invaluable resource for new and aspiring drag performers, along with academic performance courses covering Drag, Cabaret, or Queer Performance.
The Art of Dying: 21st Century Depictions of Death and Dying
by Gareth Richard SchottThe Art of Dying: 21st Century Depictions of Death and Dying examines how contemporary media platforms are used to produce creative accounts, responses and reflections on the course of dying, death and grief. Outside the public performance of grief at funerals, grief can strike in anticipation of a loss, or it can endure, continuing to interject itself and interrupt a permanently changed life. This book examines the particular affordances possessed by various contemporary creative forms and platforms that capture and illuminate different aspects of the phenomenology of dying and grief. It explores the subversive and unguarded nature of stand-up comedy, the temporal and spatial inventiveness of graphic novels, the creative constructions of documentary filmmaking, the narrative voice of young adult literature, the realism of documentary theatre, alongside more ubiquitous media such as social media, television and games. This book is testament to the power of creative expression to elicit vicarious grief and sharpen our awareness of death.
The Art of Failing: Notes from the Underdog
by Anthony McGowanAn Observer book of the year HAUNTED! By endless tiny humiliations. STRUGGLING! To resurrect the corpse of his literary career. ENSNARED! In a loving yet bamboozling marriage. A man at odds with the universe, Anthony McGowan stumbles from one improbable fiasco to the next. On the mean streets of West Hampstead he reflects upon all that is at the heart of life itself – socks with holes, underwhelming packed lunches, broken washing machines, Kierkegaard, liver salts, British Library eccentricities and disapproving ladies on trains. In this chronicle of one man&’s daily failures and disappointments, McGowan can&’t help but speak his mind – with cringeworthy and hilarious results.
The Art of Faking It: Sounding Smart Without Really Knowing Anything
by Laurence Whitted-FryIn today’s fast-paced society, who has time to keep up with both the current trends and the classics of what is “good” and “popular”? <P><P>The Art of Faking It guides you—with tongue planted firmly in cheek—through any awkward, intellectual, and/or über-sophisticated social situation, using both panache and pithy nuggets of wisdom to ensure you’ll never be at a loss for the right words and attitudes again. Inside you will find everything you need to know about what everyone is talking about— from ordering the “right” food and drink to holding an intelligent conversation about anything, from classical music and architecture to legitimate theater and the opposite sex. With the timely information and savvy advice in this book, playfully illustrated with New Yorker-esque line drawings, you will be the most scintillating conversationalist in the bunch—whether you are faking it or not!
The Art of French Kissing
by Kristin HarmelHow do you say, 'So many men, so little time,' in French? Well, Emma Sullivan can always figure that out later. The point is -- she's in Paris! Which would be great, except that she's stuck doing public relations for one of the hottest -- and craziest -- rock stars on the planet. Making things worse is Gabriel Francoeur, the sexy and stubborn reporter who refuses to believe her when she tells him that her client was just playing Go Fish in that hotel room with all those scantily-clad girls.... But Emma will always have Paris. The City of Light, of romance, of high fashion and of unfathomable varieties of cheese. If a girl can't reinvent herself here, there's no hope! It's time to leave the old Emma Sullivan behind and become someone courageous, exciting, successful. The type of girl who, when faced with a reporter who won't stop asking questions, knows just what to do. After all, they don't call it French kissing for nothing!
The Art of Growing a Beard
by Albert Siringo Edward Whitehead Marvin Grosswirth"Although this was originally written in the 70's, one can argue it's relevant today now more than ever. For both the beardless and bearded it's everything you could ask for when asking the question 'Should I grow a beard?'" -- Die On SetThe right beard, worn well, is a mark of virility, distinction, dash, and self-confidence. This witty and practical guide extols the pleasures and benefits of a well-covered chin, including heightened attention from women and increased social and professional respect. A great gift for the bearded as well as anyone interested in adopting the fashionable trend, this volume offers a gallery of styles to help the wearer find the one best suited to his face and personality. Experienced counsel on selecting, growing, and caring for beards includes shaving techniques--accompanied by advice for getting through the awkward growing-in phase with dignity--and tips on everything from grooming to eating and kissing.
The Art of Marijuana Etiquette: A Sophisticated Guide to the High Life
by Andrew WardHere is the first, proper guide on etiquette for those using cannabis for recreation and medicinal purposes. Written by a seasoned journalist, both novices and seasoned tokers can now partake without annoying or offending anyone. When it comes to cannabis, there are numerous unspoken rules that users take very seriously. Whether we're talking about puff, puff, pass or supplying your own munchies, the marijuana community has always tried to keep etiquette as a staple of the lifestyle. Now, from one stoner to another, The Art of Marijuana Etiquette will guide you through all phases of weed life so you can enjoy the highest quality hydroponic without being disrespectful to those around you. Some key lessons include: Understanding the language and terminologyStep-by-step details on how to rollTips and tricks to improve your smoking sessionHow to prepare for a visit to legal dispensariesAnd much more. As the negative connotation of marijuana begins to dissipate, there will be more people partaking than ever. That's why noted journalist Andrew Ward has sat down with those in the marijuana community to find out what they find the most important lessons to share, so that veteran and amateur smokers can get the most out of this incredible plant. Having this handy guide to teach you in the ways of weed will make sure that you can continue the proud tradition of respect among stoners, while also educating those joining the party on how to carry themselves. Respect is key, and the more you understand about how to enjoy and medicate with cannabis, the better we will all be.
The Art of Regifting: Your ABC's Guide to Regifting, The Do's and Don'ts, Urban Legends and Folk Lore
by Barbara BitelaIn her classic humor and wit, the Art of Regifting is sure to give you some good ideas, and laughs along the way.
The Art of Richard Thompson
by Chris Sparks Bill Watterson David Apatoff Nick Galifianakis Mike RhodeA tribute to the cartoonist known as “Michelangelo with a sense of humor,” the creator of the beloved comic strip Cul de Sac (Pat Oliphant, editorial cartoonist).Richard Thompson is renowned among cartoonists as an “artist’s” cartoonist. Little known to all but those close to him is the extent of his art talent. This is the book that will enlighten the rest of us and delight us with the sheer beauty of his work.Divided into six sections, each beginning with an introductory conversation between Thompson and six well-known peers, including Bill Watterson, the book will present Thompson’s illustration work, caricatures, and his creation, Richard’s Poor Almanack. Each section is highly illustrated, many works in color, most of them large and printed one-to-a-page. The diversity of work will help cast a wider net, well beyond Cul de Sac fans.“Even working wordlessly, from his wheelchair, Thompson was, and is, the supreme comedian. And that comic timing is among the embarrassment of rich gifts on beautiful display in The Art of Richard Thompson . . . one of the most anticipated art-retrospective books of the year.” —The Washington Post“A new collection of art, interviews and commentaries . . . a more complete portrait of a multi-talented artist whose career ended far too early.” —IndieWire
The Art of Rube Goldberg: (A) Inventive (B) Cartoon (C) Genius
by Rube GoldbergA &“generously illustrated and well-designed appreciation&” of the Pulitzer Prize–winning illustrator, with an introduction by New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik.(The New York Times) Cartoonist, humorist, sculptor, author, engineer, and inventor, Rube Goldberg wrote and illustrated nearly 50,000 cartoon in his seventy-two-year career. Goldberg (1883–1970) was the most famous cartoonist of his time, best known for his comical inventions, which were syndicated in daily newspapers throughout the world. Author Jennifer George celebrates all aspects of her grandfather&’s career, from his very first published drawings in his high school newspaper and college yearbook to his iconic inventions, his comic strips and advertising work, and his later sculpture and Pulitzer Prize–winning political cartoons. Also included are essays from such writers and comic historians as Adam Gopnik, Al Jaffee, Carl Linich, Peter Meresca, Paul Tumey and Brian Walker, as well as rare photographs, letters, memorabilia, and patents, many reproduced here for the first time. Brilliantly designed and packaged to capture the inventiveness of Rube Goldberg&’s work, The Art of Rube Goldberg is a coffee table book the whole family can enjoy. &“Goldberg&’s cartoons touch the edge of modern art.&” —Adam Gopnik &“There will likely never be another Rube Goldberg. Fortunately, his granddaughter&’s wonderful book ensures that we&’ll always remember this one-of-a-kind cartooning legend.&” ―The Washington Times
The Art of Sinning: Sweeping Regency romance at its best! (Sinful Suitors #1)
by Sabrina JeffriesIf you love Julia Quinn's Bridgerton, you'll be enchanted by Sabrina Jeffries' Sinful Suitors!'Anyone who loves romance must read Sabrina Jeffries!' Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling authorThe Art of Sinning is the first novel in the Sinful Suitors series by New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries. Sabrina's witty, sexy historicals will be loved by fans of Sarah MacLean, Eloisa James and Julia Quinn.At St. George's Club, guardians conspire to keep their unattached sisters and wards out of the clutches of sinful suitors. Which works fine...except when the sinful suitors are members...American artist Jeremy Keane refuses to return home and take over his father's business. He'd much rather sample bevvies of beauties abroad, in search of a model for the provocative masterpiece he's driven to paint. When he meets Lady Yvette Barlow at a London wedding, he realizes she's perfect for his work - and determines to capture the young heiress's defiant spirit and breathtaking sensuality on canvas.No stranger to scandal, Yvette agrees to be Keane's subject - in exchange for his help gaining entry to the city's brothels he knows intimately, so she can track a missing woman and solve a family mystery. But when their practical partnership leads to lessons in the art of sinning, can they find a bold and lasting love?For more utterly romantic and wonderfully witty historical romance, don't miss Sabrina's other dazzling series including, The Hellions of Halstead Hall, The School for Heiresses and The Royal Brotherhood.
The Art of Sledging
by J HaroldIn these days of cricketing correctness, where codes of behaviour are being handed down by the Cricket Police, here is a salute to the good old days when games were won and lost by whatever means available.With a great one-liner on every page, this is a collection of crude, rude, famous and infamous sledges all placed within the context of the match and the rivalries on and off the pitch.Including:Merv Hughes to Graeme Hick: "Mate, if you just turn the bat over you'll find the instructions on the other side."Lillie to Gatting: "Hell, Gatt, move out of the way I can't see the stumps."Woodfull to Jardine: "Which one of you bastards called this bastard a bastard?"Warne to Cullinan: "I've been waiting two years for another chance to humiliate you." Cullinan replies: "Looks like you spent it eating."The most pathetic sledge of all time from present England Captain Kevin Petersen to Chris Gayle: "You're making me cross. You're making me cross. You're making me cross."Possibly the rudest of them all, Mark Waugh to Adam Parore: "Oh, I remember you from a couple of years ago in Australia. You were shit then, you're f**king useless now." Parore replies: "Yeah that's me and when I was there you were going out with the old, ugly slut and now I hear you married her. You dumb c**t."Even teammates have been known to sledge one another, Brian Close to Geoffrey Boycott: "Next bloody ball, bloody belt it or I'll wrap my bat around your bloody head."And the crowd is not adverse to hurling abuse either "Hey Tuffnell, lend us your brain we are building an idiot!"
The Art of Teaching: Shortcuts for Outstanding Teachers
by The Times MiscreantWith this outrageous catalogue of teaching aids, the times educational miscreant shares his unique approach to many of teaching's most taxing problems. Whether it's marking coursework by weight with Coursework Scales, or planning lessons with the Page-Choosing Money Box, The Art of Teaching is a must for the conscientious teaching professional.
The Art of Teaching: Shortcuts for Outstanding Teachers
by The Times MiscreantWith this outrageous catalogue of teaching aids, the times educational miscreant shares his unique approach to many of teaching's most taxing problems. Whether it's marking coursework by weight with Coursework Scales, or planning lessons with the Page-Choosing Money Box, The Art of Teaching is a must for the conscientious teaching professional.
The Art of Zombie Warfare: How to Kick Ass Like the Walking Dead (Zen of Zombie Series)
by Adam Wallenta Scott KenemoreSun Tzu meets George Romero in Scott Kenemore's third zombie book. 40 color illustrations
The Art of the Political Putdown: The Greatest Comebacks, Ripostes, and Retorts in History
by Chris Lamb Will MoredockThe Art of the Political Putdown is a book of over 300 witty verbal jabs and ripostes from politicians around the world, all of whom share a common sharp tongue.Liberal or conservative, humor can be a powerful weapon in any politician's arsenal, and political journalists Chris Lamb and Will Moredock have seen their fair share of quips, witty remarks, and sarcastic pleasantries.In mining the past few thousand years of political history, they've unearthed a treasure trove of humorous exchanges, from ancient Rome to modern day, to compile this collection of hilarious comebacks and putdowns.• Features 11 brief essays analyzing the use of humor and wit in various political contexts• Even-handed, intelligent, and lighthearted political humor that gives readers from the Left and the Right something to laugh about• Contains 20 political cartoon-style illustrationsThe Art of the Political Putdown is filled with famous and lesser-known politicians at their sassiest, along with short essays and illustrations.This is a comprehensive, nonpartisan collection of witticisms, scathing burns, and mic-drop-worthy insults throughout history. • A rare political humor book with something for everyone, and a welcome reminder that politics can also be a source of laughter• Perfect for politics and history buffs and for anyone who appreciates smart humor and top-notch wit• Great for those who loved Whose Boat Is This Boat?: Comments That Don't Help in the Aftermath of a Hurricane by the Staff of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents by Pete Souza, and The Wit & Wisdom of Winston Churchill by James C. Humes
The Artful Goddaughter (Gina Gallo Mystery #3)
by Melodie CampbellThe Artful Goddaughter is the third novel in a series featuring Gina Gallo, who wants nothing more than to run her little jewelry store. But try as she might, Gina can’t escape the family business, with hilarious consequences. Mob goddaughter Gina Gallo stands to inherit two million bucks from her great-uncle Seb, a master forger. But there’s a catch: Uncle Seb wants Gina to make things right and return an extremely valuable painting to the City Art Gallery. If she can’t do it, her rat-face cousin Carmine gets the boodle. Reluctantly, Gina comes up with a plan for a reverse heist, as she has learned things never go as planned when her family gets involved. The wrong painting gets replaced, and Gina finds herself with two priceless masterpieces in hand! It won’t be long before someone realizes what’s going on. This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for older teen readers and adults who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
The Artistic Activism of Elombe Brath
by Thomas AielloIn 1963, at the height of the southern civil rights movement, Cecil Brathwaite (1936–2014), under the pseudonym Cecil Elombe Brath, published a satire of Black leaders entitled Color Us Cullud! The American Negro Leadership Official Coloring Book. The book pillories a variety of Black leaders—from political figures like Adam Clayton Powell and Whitney Young to civil rights activists like Martin Luther King, Bayard Rustin, and John Lewis, and even entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr., Lena Horne, and Dick Gregory—critiquing the inauthenticity of movement leaders while urging a more radical approach to Black activism. Despite the strong illustrations and unique commentary presented in the coloring book, it has virtually disappeared from histories of the movement. The Artistic Activism of Elombe Brath restores the coloring book and its creator to a place of prominence in the historiography of the Black left. It begins with an analysis of Brath’s influences, describing his life and work including his development as a Black nationalist thinker and Black satirist. This volume includes Brath’s early works—illustrations for DownBeat magazine and Beat Jokes, Bop Humor, & Cool Cartoons—as well as the full run of his comic strip “Congressman Carter and Beat Nick Jackson” from the New York Citizen-Call and a complete edition of Color Us Cullud! itself. These illustrations are followed by annotations that frame and contextualize each of the coloring book’s entries. The book closes with selections from Brath’s art and political thinking via archival material and samples of his written work. Ultimately, this volume captures and restores a unique perspective on the civil rights movement often omitted from the historiography but vital to understanding its full scope.
The Artsy Smartsy Club
by Daniel PinkwaterAfter three Hoboken children and their giant chicken Henrietta begin to appreciate beautiful sidewalk art, they venture into art class and visit Manhattan.
The Ask: A Novel
by Sam LipsyteIn this dark comic novel by the author of Home Land, a college development officer’s last chance to keep his job comes at a high cost.A New York Times Book Review Editors’ ChoiceMilo Burke—husband, father, development officer at a third-tier university—has just joined the burgeoning class of the newly unemployed. Grasping after off jobs to support his wife and child, Milo is relieved to get another chance from his former boss. All he has to do is reel in a potential donor who, mysteriously, has requested Milo’s involvement. But it turns out that the ask is Milo’s sinister college classmate Purdy Stuart. And the “give” won’t come cheap.Exploring such themes as work, war, sex, class, child rearing, romantic comedies, Benjamin Franklin, cooking shows on death row, and the eroticization of chicken wire, The Ask is a hilarious tour de force from a writer who has already shown that the deepest fictions are often the funniest.
The Astonishing Life of August March: A Novel
by Aaron JacksonAn irrepressibly optimistic oddball, abandoned in a theater as a baby, is thrust into the wilds of postwar New York City in this “delightful romp of a book” (Historical Novels Review). Abandoned as an infant by his actress mother, August March was raised by an ancient laundress. Highly intelligent, a tad feral, August is a true child of the theater—able to recite Shakespeare before he knew the alphabet.But like all productions, August’s wondrous time inside the theater comes to a close, and he finds himself in the wilds of postwar New York City, where he quickly rises from pickpocket street urchin to star student at the stuffiest boarding school in the nation.To survive, August must rely upon the kindness of strangers, only some of whom have his best interests at heart. As he grows up, his heart begins to yearn for love—which he may or may not finally find in Penny, a clever and gifted con artist.Aaron Jackson has crafted a brilliant, enchanting story at once profound and delightfully entertaining—a classic tale of a young innocent who finally finds his way, reminding us that everyone can find love. Even August March.“A delirious, fantastical romp behind the curtain of New York’s theater society.” —Abbi Jacobson, New York Times–bestselling author of I Might Regret This“The phrase ‘child of the theater’ has never been more literally or comically depicted. . . . [a] quirky coming-of-age story with a protagonist who is equal parts Benjamin Button, David Copperfield, and Don Quixote.” —Historical Novels Review
The Astounding Broccoli Boy
by Frank Cottrell BoyceFrom Frank Cottrell Boyce--the beloved, award-winning, New York Times-bestselling author of Millions and Cosmic--comes another hilarious, heartbreaking, and completely original middle grade novel.Rory Rooney likes to be prepared for anything. That sort of planning pays off when you're the smallest kid in your class. Rory is even prepared (mostly) for Tommy-Lee, his nemesis, who starts most days by throwing Rory out of the back of the school bus. Don't be scared, his favorite book says, be prepared. And Rory aims to be. What's more heroic than that?But Rory isn't prepared when he suddenly and inexplicably turns green and finds himself stuck in an experimental hospital ward. The doctors are just as baffled as Rory is, and that's when he begins to wonder: What if this isn't caused by his genes, or a virus, or something he ate? What if it's something even more extraordinary? After all, more than a few superheroes' careers began when they turned green. Could this be a sign that he's meant for something greater? Rory is going to find out--and that's going to start with escaping from the hospital.
The Astounding Misadventures of Rory Collins
by Brian Kiley"For more than twenty years, Brian Kiley has delighted me with his inventive and prolific wit, so it is no surprise that he has written such a terrific novel. "The Astounding Misadventures of Rory Collins" is boldly comedic, poignant, dark, unpredictable, and just plain fun. Congratulations, Brian, I am bitterly jealous." -Conan O'Brien "Brian Kiley's unique genius as a standup comedian rests on his ability to project innocence and sweet-natured guilelessness even as his imagination leads you to some dark and strange places. The same and then some can be said for the title character of Kiley's terrific first novel, The Astounding Misadventures of Rory Collins. Haunted by the specter of the world's worst mom, Rory enters manhood as the sort of timid, passive shlump whom predators can spot a mile off. Yet as you follow him from one picaresque episode to another--ill-advised sex, barroom brawls, and abusive bosses--you can't help but pull for the guy. At heart he's just a kind, decent person trying to make sense of a bizarro world. Not surprisingly, the book has its share of great lines and laugh-out-loud moments. But there's more going on. From the deceptively powerful opening scene to the devastating final line, Astounding Misadventures marks the emergence of a new literary voice. The gentle intelligence of Kiley's prose reminds me of the great comedian-turned-author, Steve Martin, with the possible difference that while Martin's characters seek peace and quiet above the fray, Kiley's plunge headfirst into the tragicomic messiness of life." -Charles Slack, author of "Hetty", "The Noble Obsession" and "Blue Fairways" "If you like dark, dry humor--and I do--you will love this story of a young man from such a dysfunctional family that his only dream is to be normal. Instead, what he learns is that no one is really "normal," and that the most important goal is to love and be loved. Raised by a psychotic mother and a passive father, Rory is also painfully passive, until a moment of rebellion in a supermarket changes the course of his life and sets him on the path to fulfillment and happiness. Laughs abound, and the ending is surprisingly touching." -Judith Arnold "Read this. I loved it. The author's writing is so precise. I fell in love with Rory from the beginning and my heart broke a little in each of his misadventures. But don't worry, the book is hilarious. Each chapter is like a little joke -- and it all leads to a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion." -Karen Bergreen, author of "Pretty Polly"