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Madonna: An Intimate Biography
by J. Randy TaraborrelliMadonna! Megastar. Lover. Mother. Opportunist. Chameleon. Role model. She's all of these things...and more. Yet, who is she, really? In Madonna: An Intimate Biography, author J. Randy Taraborrelli's scrupulously researched and completely balanced unauthorized biography of one of the world's most celebrated entertainers, the reader is allowed to draw his or her own conclusions. Indeed, the portrait bestselling author Taraborrelli paints here is of a truly complex woman, one who is driven and determined to succeed at any cost, yet who displays remarkable vulnerability when it comes to matters of the heart. It is significant that Madonna: An Intimate Biography is the first such book written about the star in over a decade, because in the past ten years the ever-changing Madonna has gone through her biggest transformation yet -- from tempestuous sex goddess to happily married mother. Amazingly, as she launches her first worldwide tour in eight years, she is now -- at forty-something -- enjoying one of the most successful periods of her groundbreaking career. Whereas other books about Madonna have been based on previously published material, Madonna: An Intimate Biography is the result of ten years of exclusive interviews with people who are speaking publicly about her for the first time, including close friends, business associates and even family members. Since Taraborrelli interviewed the star herself early in her career, he is now able to draw from such firsthand experiences to place her success story in perspective and provide new, stunning insights. The true Madonna, as presented here, is not merely a sensation-seeking tabloid vixen, but a flesh-and-blood woman with human foibles and weaknesses -- as well as great strengths and ambitions. For the first time, the reader learns about the complex nature of her difficult relationship with her father, and how the two finally found one another after years of estrangement; how Warren Beatty broke her heart, and why the two never wed; how she and John Kennedy, Jr., became romantically involved, his mother's reaction to the prospect of Madonna as a daughter-in-law and why it could never have worked out; the truth of her relationships with the fathers of her two children and how, as a loving and attentive mother, she has evolved into a surprisingly different woman...and what the future holds for her. Madonna: An Intimate Biography is a truly explosive and definitive account of the life of an entertainer who is undoubtedly one of the most popular, trendsetting figures of our time. Full of amazing disclosures about her private life and public career, New York Times bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli's latest work reveals Madonna in a new -- and surprisingly inspiring -- way. Not only a feast for fans, this book is great entertainment for anyone who enjoys a remarkable story, stirringly told.
Evolving Vegan: Deliciously Diverse Recipes from North America's Best Plant-Based Eateries—for Anyone Who Loves Food
by Mena MassoudFrom actor and avid traveler Mena Massoud comes a collection of diverse, delicious, and accessible vegan recipes inspired from dishes all over the world, perfect for the aspiring vegan!It&’s safe to say that veganism is no longer just a trend. Lifelong vegans, part-time vegans, and the vegan curious are a diverse and eclectic group of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, and yet, there&’s very little out there in mainstream media that reflects this new reality.The Evolving Vegan cookbook celebrates both flavors and stories from a wide array of plant-based eateries all across North America, proving that a plant-friendly diet is truly accessible to all! Some of the recipes you will learn to make include: -Sausage Shakshuka in a Skillet from the restaurant Chickpea in Vancouver -Young Coconut Ceviche from the restaurant Rosalinda in Toronto -BBQ Pulled &“Pork&” Jackfruit Sandwiches from the Butcher&’s Son in Oakland, CA -Indian Tofu Curry from The Sudra in Portland, OR -Boston Cream Pie-Cake from Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge, MA -Plus authentic Egyptian dishes from Mena&’s mother, and many from Mena&’s own SoCal home kitchenCome travel with Mena to meet Cyrus Ichiza from Ichiza Kitchen in Portland, whose Taiwanese mother inspired him to share his Southeast Asian roots through authentically flavorful vegan dishes. Get a behind-the-scenes peek at the secrets of San Francisco&’s Peña Pachamama, a Bolivian plant-based restaurant that serves national dishes like pique macho and aji de fideo.Containing recipes from many different countries and cultures, and including helpful tips for lifelong vegans or flexitarians looking to expand their repertoire of vegan dishes, Evolving Vegan takes you on a food-based road trip to explore the vibrancy of veganism across North America.
The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)
by Thom LoverroIndependent wrestling promotions were once the norm all across the country. However, with the rise of World Wrestling Entertainment and the creation of World Championship Wrestling -- out of three Southern promotions -- the possibility of an independent succeeding grew fainter and fainter. As the nineties began, independents were looking for creative ways to survive. In the East, several banded together to share cost and talent; they were known as Eastern Championship Wrestling. Based out of a warehouse in Philadelphia that stored parade floats and hosted bingo, this promotion seemed doomed to be just one more ninety-day wonder. When they hired a brash New Yorker, Paul Heyman, he warned Eastern Championship Wrestling that the job was just temporary. He would come in, shake up a lot of the wrestlers, and then leave. But what Heyman did redefined professional wrestling in the nineties. What he created was a company that dared to push the boundaries of sports entertainment. What he created became Extreme Championship Wrestling. As the person responsible for booking -- who was going to wrestle and who was going to win -- Heyman dared to break with tradition. Rather than relying on local talent and down-and-out veterans to draw in crowds, he created new characters and story lines that would appeal to the core wrestling fans: eighteen- to twenty-four- year-old men. Paul also realized that to persuade them to come, you had to get their interest and keep it. You had to offer the fans more than just the match. ECW became known for the interview, the shoot. Heyman got to know each wrestler's style, and in their interviews he would encourage them to speak from their hearts. When it came to the matches, ECW broke even farther from the mainstream. Tables, ladders, chairs, barbed wire, and even frying pans were used with abandon. Wrestlers not wanting to be topped put their bodies on the line, taking ever greater risks, daring to jump, leap, and fall from places never tried before. ECW matches became the stuff of legend. Word spread as savvy wrestling fans began talking about the promotion and exchanging tapes. To keep the buzz building, wrestlers used the age-old trick of taunting the fans, and ECW fans responded in kind. By including the fans in the shows, ECW attracted a rabid, cult-like following that is still going strong today. For nearly a decade, ECW redefined professional wrestling with a reckless, brutal, death-defying, and often bloody style that became synonymous with "hardcore." Through extensive interviews with former ECW talent and management -- Paul Heyman, Mick Foley, Tazz, Tommy Dreamer, Rob Van Dam, and many more -- The Rise & Fall of ECW reveals what made this upstart company from Philadelphia great -- and what ultimately led to its demise.
A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women: Daily Inspiration for Christian Women (A Cup of Comfort)
by James Stuart Bell Carol McLean WildeIn this special addition to the bestselling A Cup of Comfort series, more than 100 contributors extend a sisterly hand to help you stay on the path of Christian love and devotion every day of the year.You will cherish real-life heroines such as:Mimi, whose love for her daughter and trust in the Lord allows her to confront her greatest fearMaralee, whose kidney cancer is diagnosed on Valentine's Day and, by God's grace, is healed in time for her beloved son's wedding that JuneRenee, a substitute teacher who asks God to help her connect with a troubled student With a touching story for each month and biblical passages as well as accounts of women's real-life encounters with God for every day in the year, A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women is a daily dose of grace and goodness for Christians everywhere.
A Passover Haggadah: As Commented Upon By Elie Wiesel And Illustrated B
by Elie WieselA Passover Haggadah, enhanced with more than fifty original drawings, Elie Wiesel and his friend Mark Podwal invite you to join them for the Passover Seder—the most festive event of the Jewish calendar.Read each year at the Seder table, the Haggadah recounts the miraculous tale of the liberation of the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, with a celebration of prayer, ritual, and song. Wiesel and Podwal guide you through the Haggadah and share their understanding and faith in a special illustrated edition that will be treasured for years to come. Accompanying the traditional Haggadah text (which appears here in an accessible new translation) are Elie Wiesel's poetic interpretations, reminiscences, and instructive retellings of ancient legends. The Nobel laureate interweaves past and present as the symbolism of the Seder is explored. Wiesel's commentaries may be read aloud in their entirety or selected passages may be read each year to illuminate the timeless message of this beloved book of redemption.
Heal Yourself, Heal the World
by Deborah KingDeborah King, spiritual leader and New York Times bestselling author of Be Your Own Shaman, inspires and teaches her proven method of LifeForce Energy Healing in this definitive and accessible book that will forever change the way you connect to your energy.What&’s standing between you and the life you were meant to lead? The answer lies in your energy field and how you manage it. When our energy pathways are blocked by suppressed feelings, pain, and trauma, we weaken both our personal and universal energy fields, hindering our ability to live our best lives.LifeForce Energy has its origins in the living force that Hindus call prana, the Chinese call chi, and the Japanese call qi. This primal force is connected to your spirit as well as to your physical, emotional, and mental self. It is, in fact, the substance of spirit, what Master energy healer Deborah King calls &“LifeForce energy.&”Now, using the simple techniques and powerful teachings in Heal Yourself—Heal the World, you can finally clear past trauma from your energy field, connect with authentic emotions, and clear, charge, and re-balance your chakras. Within Heal Yourself—Heal the World you will be able to explore the origins and benefits of energy healing as well as learn self-healing practices and techniques, moving you from basic concepts to hands-on learning to, ultimately, whole world healing.
The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft: Seeking an Intentional Magical Path
by Fire LyteChallenge your assumptions about witchcraft, Paganism, and spiritual seeking and learn how to craft your own magical path with this timely and entertaining exploration of what it means to practice witchcraft from the host of the Inciting A Riot podcast.If you&’ve ever wanted to burn your ex&’s old stuff in a trash can while drinking wine with your friends and reading tarot cards under the light of the full moon, you already know that magic is an essential part of our human existence. But what is magic, anyway? And are witches real? Where do I start if I want to build a deeper, more personal magical practice? (I mean…can I just make sh*t up?)Perfect for anyone who has wanted to get a little witchy but not known where to start, The Dabbler&’s Guide to Witchcraft provides everything you need to discover more about modern witchcraft while forging your own magical path in a responsible and informed way. Fire Lyte takes us on a thoughtful, compulsively readable, and provocative journey, addressing topics such as: -Pop culture and witchcraft -The intersection of science and spirituality -Gatekeeping and inclusivity in the magical community -&“Good&” vs &“bad&” magic (spoiler alert: there&’s no such thing!) -Why a coffee pot or Dutch oven is just as effective as a cauldronHe also provides eleven spell canvasses, perfect for beginners and practicing witches alike to expand their spell-casting repertoire.Whether you&’re just starting on your spiritual journey or recent events have inspired you to reexamine your current magical path, this humorous, practical, and insightful book provides a roadmap for anyone curious about enriching their practice.
Patrick Henry: Champion of Liberty
by Jon Kukla&“A brilliant orator, a firebrand for freedom and individual rights, Henry stands as an American luminary, and Kukla&’s magisterial biography shines the glow of achievement on subject and author alike&” (Richmond Times Dispatch). Patrick Henry restores its subject, long underappreciated in history as a founding father, to his seminal place in the story of American independence.Patrick Henry is best known for his fiery declaration, &“Give me liberty, or give me death!&” Born in 1736, he became an attorney and planter before being elected as the first governor of Virginia after independence, winning reelection several times. After declining to attend the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Henry opposed the Constitution, arguing that it granted too much power to the central government. He pushed vigorously for the ten amendments to the new Constitution, and then supported Washington and national unity against the bitter party divisions of the 1790s. Henry denounced slavery as evil, but he accepted its continuation. Henry was enormously influential in his time, but many of his accomplishments were subsequently all but forgotten. Jon Kukla&’s &“detailed, compelling…definitive&” (Kirkus Reviews) biography restores Henry and his Virginia compatriots to the front rank of advocates for American independence. Kukla has thoroughly researched Henry&’s life, even living on one of Henry&’s estates. He brings both newly discovered documents and new insights to Henry, the Revolution, the Constitutional era, and the early Republic. This &“informational and enlightening biography of the great agitator for democracy&” (Library Journal) is a vital contribution to our understanding of the nation&’s founding.
The Kitchy Kitchen: New Classics for Living Deliciously
by Claire ThomasA playful and delicious cookbook from the host of ABC&’s Food for Thought with Claire Thomas and creator of the much loved food blog The Kitchy Kitchen.Every cook needs an arsenal of staples, whether for the perfect dinner party entrée to wow a crowd, or throw-it-together lunches for lazy afternoons…but we all know that the real fun comes in making basic recipes your own. The Kitchy Kitchen is tastemaker Claire Thomas’s solution for amping up your everyday culinary routine, introducing her approach to her own kitchen: loose, personal, unfussy, and most of all, fun.With new takes on classic favorites—think adding farmer’s market peaches to upgrade a BLT, spicing up tempura cauliflower with a zesty harissa sauce, or transforming basic red velvet cupcakes into decadent pancakes—this cookbook is filled with fresh, produce-driven recipes for every skill set and occasion. It’s your best friend and personal chef, all rolled into one. Gorgeously illustrated and peppered with stylish entertaining tips and quirky essays that will inspire you to take the recipes you love and make them new, The Kitchy Kitchen will make your life in the kitchen a little easier, a little more fabulous, and positively delicious.
The Broken Circle: True Story of Murder and Magic in Indian Country
by Rodney BarkerBroken Circle recounts &“The Chokecherry Massacre,&” in which three New Mexico high-school students were charged with the murder of two Navajo Indian men, causing a violent, racial street riot that prompted the governor to call out the National Guard.The tensions between whites and Native Americans reached a high in the town of Farmington, New Mexico when three white high school students brutally tortured and killed helpless victims from the neighboring Navajo reservation.As the town erupted into a violent, racial street riot and the courts went easy on the sentencing of the high school boys, Barker tells how Navajo militants sought out justice for years of injustice and oppression in response.An illuminating work of contemporary history, The Broken Circle reveals both sides of a dramatic and painful conflict and a turning point in the struggle for Native American rights.
Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts
by Jill AbramsonFormer executive editor of The New York Times and one of our most eminent journalists Jill Abramson provides a &“valuable and insightful&” (The Boston Globe) report on the disruption of the news media over the last decade, as shown via two legacy (The New York Times and The Washington Post) and two upstart (BuzzFeed and VICE) companies as they plow through a revolution that pits old vs. new media.&“A marvelous book&” (TheNew York Times Book Review), Merchants of Truth is the groundbreaking and gripping story of the precarious state of the news business.The new digital reality nearly kills two venerable newspapers with an aging readership while creating two media behemoths with a ballooning and fickle audience of millennials. &“Abramson provides this deeply reported insider account of an industry fighting for survival. With a keen eye for detail and a willingness to interrogate her own profession, Abramson takes readers into the newsrooms and boardrooms of the legacy newspapers and the digital upstarts that seek to challenge their dominance&” (Vanity Fair). We get to know the defenders of the legacy presses as well as the outsized characters who are creating the new speed-driven media competitors. The players include Jeff Bezos and Marty Baron (TheWashington Post), Arthur Sulzberger and Dean Baquet (TheNew York Times), Jonah Peretti (BuzzFeed), and Shane Smith (VICE) as well as their reporters and anxious readers.Merchants of Truth raises crucial questions that concern the well-being of our society. We are facing a crisis in trust that threatens the free press. &“One of the best takes yet on journalism&’s changing fortunes&” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), Abramson&’s book points us to the future.
Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes and How to Correct Them: Lessons from the Life-Changing Science of Behavioral Economics
by Gary Belsky Thomas GilovichProtect and grow your finances with help from this definitive and practical guide to behavioral economics—revised and updated to reflect new economic realities.In their fascinating investigation of the ways we handle money, Gary Belsky and Thomas Gilovich reveal the psychological forces—the patterns of thinking and decision making—behind seemingly irrational behavior. They explain why so many otherwise savvy people make foolish financial choices: why investors are too quick to sell winning stocks and too slow to sell losing shares, why home sellers leave money on the table and home buyers don’t get the biggest bang for their buck, why borrowers pay too much credit card interest and savers can’t sock away as much as they’d like, and why so many of us can’t control our spending. Focusing on the decisions we make every day, Belsky and Gilovich provide invaluable guidance for avoiding the financial faux pas that can cost thousands of dollars each year.Filled with fresh insight; practical advice; and lively, illustrative anecdotes, this book gives you the tools you need to harness the powerful science of behavioral economics in any financial environment.
The New Game of Life and How to Play It: New Thought Classic With Beautiful Relaxing Mandala Zentangle Illustrations For Adult Coloring (Library Of Hidden Knowledge Ser.)
by Florence Scovel ShinnThe fourth book in the Atria Books/Beyond Words Library of Hidden Knowledge, a modernized version of one of the first works to make the Law of Attraction accessible to the general public: timeless guidance on the power of prosperity, intuition, relationships, and other perennial topics.The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds, and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy.Florence Scovel Shinn, a prominent and provocative twentieth-century leader of the New Thought movement, was known for her sage guidance on prosperity, intuition, relationships, and fulfillment. Shinn’s distinct philosophy and practical approach included enlightening affirmations, timeless anecdotes, and action-based advice that are still relevant for the fast-paced world of today. In addition to Shinn’s original writings, The New Game of Life features Dr. Ruth L. Miller’s contemporary translations as well as additional exercises and summaries to fully engage a new generation of thinkers. *** Includes Original Text Most people consider life a battle, but it is not a battle, it is a game. Florence Scovel Shinn New Thought leader Florence Scovel Shinn’s The Game of Life and How to Play It, was originally published in 1925 and still stands today as one of the earliest and most accessible introductions to the Law of Attraction, the backbone of the bestselling book and movie The Secret. Now, Dr. Ruth L. Miller, New Thought minister and series editor of the Library of Hidden Knowledge, takes you to the very heart of Shinn’s original wisdom through insightful modern interpretations. With incredible vision, moving stories, and accessible “game” plans for success, The New Game of Life and How to Play It deftly guides you toward a life of prosperity and fulfillment.
The Life You Want: Get Motivated, Lose Weight, and Be Happy
by Bob Greene Ann Kearney-Cooke Janis JibrinTAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WEIGHT AND CLAIM THE LIFE YOU DESERVE! Bob Greene has helped millions lose weight and get in shape with his life-changing Best Life plan. Now Oprah’s most trusted expert on diet and fitness teams up with psychologist Ann Kearney-Cooke and nutritionist Janis Jibrin to zero in on common barriers to weight loss success. Together, they will offer practical tips and explore the latest science on emotional eating and lack of motivation. REWIRE YOUR BRAIN TO OVERCOME OVEREATING CONQUER EXERCISE AVERSION TAME YOUR SUGAR, FAT, AND SALT CRAVINGS TRANSFORM YOUR BODY IMAGE INCREASE YOUR HAPPINESSWhile the basic principles of weight loss are simple enough, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a struggle. The Life You Want delivers the information and inspiration you need to overcome each obstacle—once and for all.
Paterno
by Joe PosnanskiFrom America’s premier sportswriter, the definitive, #1 New York Times bestselling biography of Joe Paterno.Joe Posnanski’s biography of the late Penn State football coach Joe Paterno follows in the tradition of works by Richard Ben Cramer on Joe DiMaggio and David Maraniss on Vince Lombardi. Having gained unprecedented access to Paterno, as well as the coach’s personal notes and files, Posnanski spent the last two years of Paterno’s life covering the coach, on (and off) the field and through the scandal that ended Paterno’s legendary career. Joe Posnanski, who in 2012 was named the Best Sportswriter in America by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame, was with Paterno and his family as a horrific national scandal unfolded and Paterno was fired. Within three months, Paterno died of lung cancer, a tragic end to a life that was epic, influential, and operatic.Paterno is the fullest description we will ever have of the man’s character and career. In this honest and surprising portrait, Joe Posnanski brings new insight and understanding to one of the most controversial figures in America.
Bob Greene's Total Body Makeover: An Accelerated Program of Exercise for Maximum Results in Minimal Time
by Bob GreeneFrom Bob Greene, bestselling author of Get With the Program!, comes a comprehensive, innovative twelve-week plan for transforming your body inside and out. With Bob Greene's Total Body Makeover, you'll achieve maximum results in a minimum amount of time!Knowing that great health and fitness begin with the right state of mind, Greene addresses the important emotional issues behind poor exercise and eating patterns and provides the motivational tools needed to achieve your fitness goals, as well as develop practical and beneficial habits for lasting results. You'll be inspired and moved by reading the compelling true-life success stories of real people who have taken the challenge and who have changed their bodies -- and lives -- in ways they never dreamed possible! Whether you're struggling to lose that last ten pounds or searching for a radical weight-loss solution, the twelve-week makeover challenge is the answer to your fitness goals.After committing to the program, you'll find illustrated step-by-step workout guides for all fitness levels, combining progressive cardiovascular and intensive strength training exercises designed to revitalize your metabolism and get noticeable results fast. Each of the accelerated workouts has been created to energize and invigorate your body and mind while you have fun and trim down in the process! In addition, Greene takes a fresh approach to the question of diets by providing key nutritional guidelines that work in conjunction with any healthy eating plan, and he explains many of the popular diets on the market today to help you choose the one that's right for you. Finally, there is helpful advice on making the transition back to your everyday life: how to avoid regaining the weight you've lost, and how to maintain healthy exercise and eating habits for life. While many books leave you wondering what to do next, Bob Greene's Total Body Makeover offers enthusiastic and informative hands-on advice and tips beyond eating and exercise, and teaches you how to make your own happiness and well-being the foundation of an active and healthy life.
My Country, 'Tis of Thee: My Faith, My Family, Our Future
by Keith EllisonAs the first Muslim elected to Congress, Minnesota Democrat Keith Ellison explores what it's like to be an American in the twenty-first century.As a Black, Latino, and former Catholic who converted to Islam, Keith Ellison, is the first Muslim elected to Congress—from a district with fewer than 1 percent Muslims and 11 percent Blacks. With his unique perspective on uniting a disparate community and speaking to a common goal, Ellison takes a provocative look at America and what needs to change to accommodate different races and beliefs. Filled with anecdotes, statistics, and social commentary, Ellison touches on everything from the Tea Party to Obama, from race to the immigration debate and more. He also draws some very clear distinctions between parties and shows why the deep polarization is unhealthy for America. Deeply patriotic, with My Country &’Tis of Thee, Ellison strives to help define what it means to be an American today.
Joe DiMaggio: The Hero's Life
by Richard Ben CramerJoe DiMaggio was, at every turn, one man we could look at who made us feel good.In the hard-knuckled thirties, he was the immigrant boy who made it big—and spurred the New York Yankees to a new era of dynasty. He was Broadway Joe, the icon of elegance, the man who wooed and won Marilyn Monroe—the most beautiful girl America could dream up.Joe DiMaggio was a mirror of our best self. And he was also the loneliest hero we ever had.In this groundbreaking biography, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Richard Ben Cramer presents a shocking portrait of a complicated, enigmatic life. The story that DiMaggio never wanted told, tells of his grace—and greed; his dignity, pride—and hidden shame. It is a story that sweeps through the twentieth century, bringing to light not just America's national game, but the birth (and the price) of modern national celebrity.
The Story of World War II: Revised, Expanded, And Updated From The Original T
by Donald L. Miller Henry Steele CommagerDrawing on previously unpublished eyewitness accounts, prizewinning historian Donald L. Miller has written what critics are calling one of the most powerful accounts of warfare ever published.Here are the horror and heroism of World War II in the words of the men who fought it, the journalists who covered it, and the civilians who were caught in its fury. Miller gives us an up-close, deeply personal view of a war that was more savagely fought—and whose outcome was in greater doubt—than readers might imagine. This is the war that Americans at the home front would have read about had they had access to the previously censored testimony of the soldiers on which Miller builds his gripping narrative.Miller covers the entire war—on land, at sea, and in the air—and provides new coverage of the brutal island fighting in the Pacific, the bomber war over Europe, the liberation of the death camps, and the contributions of African Americans and other minorities. He concludes with a suspenseful, never-before-told story of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, based on interviews with the men who flew the mission that ended the war.
The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny
by Peter McGraw Joel WarnerPart road-trip comedy and part social science experiment, a scientist and a journalist “shed fascinating light on what makes us laugh and why” (New York Post).Two guys. Nineteen experiments. Five continents. 91,000 miles. The Humor Code follows the madcap adventures and oddball experiments of Professor Peter McGraw and writer Joel Warner as they discover the secret behind what makes things funny. In their search, they interview countless comics, from Doug Stanhope to Louis CK and travel across the globe from Norway to New York, from Palestine to the Amazon. It’s an epic quest, both brainy and harebrained, that culminates at the world’s largest comedy festival where the pair put their hard-earned knowledge to the test.For the first time, they have established a comprehensive theory that answers the question “what makes things funny?” Based on original research from the Humor Research Lab (HuRL) at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the pair’s experiences across the globe, The Humor Code explains the secret behind winning the New Yorker cartoon caption contest, why some dead baby jokes are funnier than others, and whether laughter really is the best medicine. Hilarious, surprising, and sometimes even touching, The Humor Code “lays out a convincing theory about how humor works, and why it’s an essential survival mechanism” (Mother Jones).
The Perfect Wife: The Life and Choices of Laura Bush
by Ann GerhartLaura Bush is arguably the most popular figure in the Bush White House. Even the President's detractors would not hesitate to describe the First Lady as utterly sincere and devoted to family and country, whether she is advocating on behalf of education and libraries or comforting the nation in times of crisis. Ann Gerhart of The Washington Post has covered Mrs. Bush since 2001, and no other reporter has interviewed the First Lady more often. Through this unparalleled access Gerhart has been able to uncover the woman behind the carefully maintained image. Far more than an uncomplicated maternal figure and dedicated wife, Laura Bush emerges as a complex and fascinating woman in her own right, who has composed a life of accomplishment for herself alongside her husband's tremendous ambitions. The Perfect Wife tells the complete story from Mrs. Bush's upbringing to her whirlwind three-month courtship by George W. Bush and her role as a mother, wife, and public figure. An only child raised in a segregated and fiercely traditional West Texas town, she is less conservative than her husband and appealingly down-to-earth despite the extraordinary privileges of her position. Two tragedies have defined her: a car accident when she was seventeen and September 11, when she suddenly had to transform her job and take herself far more seriously. Ann Gerhart examines the First Lady's influences and motivations, reveals the depths to which her husband relies upon her, and assesses her achievements. Compelling and insightful, this is the first comprehensive account of a woman who has won the admiration of the nation and of the compromises and challenges that come with taking on the most examined volunteer job in the world.
The Meat Racket: The Secret Takeover of America's Food Business
by Christopher LeonardAn investigative journalist takes you inside the corporate meat industry—a shocking, in-depth report every American should read.How much do you know about the meat on your dinner plate? Journalist Christopher Leonard spent more than a decade covering the country’s biggest meat companies, including four years as the national agribusiness reporter for the Associated Press. Now he delivers the first comprehensive look inside the industrial meat system, exposing how a handful of companies executed an audacious corporate takeover of the nation’s meat supply.Leonard’s revealing account shines a light on the inner workings of Tyson Foods, a pioneer of the industrial system that dominates the market. You’ll learn how the food industry got to where it is today, and how companies like Tyson have escaped the scrutiny they deserve. You’ll discover how these companies are able to raise meat prices for consumers while pushing down the price they pay to farmers. And you’ll even see how big business and politics have derailed efforts to change the system, from a years-long legal fight in Iowa to the Obama administration’s recent failed attempt to pass reforms.Important, timely, and explosive, The Meat Racket is an unvarnished portrait of the food industry that now dominates America’s heartland.
The Elevated Communicator: How to Master Your Style and Strengthen Well-Being at Work
by Maryanne O'BrienDiscover your communication style and elevate consciousness at work to build trust, strengthen collaboration, relieve stress, and improve well-being. Our work lives revolve around effective communication. It is essential for cultivating trust and team collaboration, as well as strengthening our motivation and well-being at work. And with teams experiencing more anxiety, stress, and burnout than ever before, strong communication skills have never been more essential.The key to this clear and effective communication begins with understanding our own personal communication styles. Bringing our whole and authentic selves to work improves relationships and teamwork. The better we know what drives us, how we impact others, and how our wellbeing impacts our communication, the faster we can close communication gaps to build healthy, successful, and satisfying work lives and more intentional careers. Drawing on more than a decade of original research on communication tendencies and proven mindfulness and habit-formation techniques, Maryanne O&’Brien has developed a proprietary model of communication styles: Expressive, Reserved, Direct, or Harmonious.In The Elevated Communicator, you will find: -A self-assessment to discover your style -An in-depth style profile to strengthen self-awareness and help you play to your strengths -Strategies to manage your communication style under stress -Practices to improve your wellbeing and reduce conflict -Ways to care for your communication style and improve your wellbeing -Methods to flex toward other styles to communicate more effectively with people -Advice on building healthy, trusted, and productive working relationshipsPerfect for fans of StrengthsFinders 2.0 and Gretchen Rubin&’s The Four Tendencies, The Elevated Communicator is a &“refreshing, insightful, and user-friendly&” (Tara Peyerl, executive coach and success director, Salesforce) approach to develop daily practices to spiral up, raise consciousness, inspire accountability, and discover your full potential at work.
A Cup of Comfort for Teachers: Heartwarming Stories of People Who Mentor, Motivate, and Inspire (A Cup of Comfort)
by Colleen Sell"It's the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." -Albert EinsteinEvery single day in countless classrooms all around the world, teachers inform young minds-and transform young lives. In this moving collection of true stories, you'll meet more than fifty remarkable people who've made a big difference in a struggling student's life-one hour, one lesson, one "good job!" at a time.In today's challenging world, being a good teacher is harder than ever-and encouragement may sometimes be hard to come by. But this unforgettable celebration of the trials and triumphs of the world's toughest profession is sure to delight and inspire you. Whether you're a teacher on the front lines or a student grateful for the dedication, passion, and generosity of a favorite mentor, A Cup of Comfort for Teachers is just what the principal ordered.
Seeing Home: The Ed Lucas Story
by Ed Lucas Christopher LucasSoon to be a major motion picture, Seeing Home: The Ed Lucas Story is the incredible true tale of a beloved Emmy-winning blind broadcaster who refused to let his disability prevent him from overcoming many challenging obstacles and achieving his dreams.In 1951, when he was only twelve years old, Ed Lucas was hit between the eyes by a baseball during a sandlot game in Jersey City. He lost his sight forever. To cheer him up, his mother wrote letters to baseball superstars of the day, explaining her son’s condition. Soon Ed was invited into their clubhouses and dugouts, as the players and coaches personally made him feel at home. Despite the warm reception he got from his heroes, Ed was told repeatedly by others that he would never be able to accomplish anything worthwhile because of his limitations. But Hall-of-Famer Phil Rizzuto became Ed’s mentor and encouraged him to pursue his passion—broadcasting. Ed then overcame hundreds of barriers, big and small, to become a pioneer—the first blind person covering baseball on a regular basis, a career he has successfully continued for six decades. Ed may have lost his sight, but he never lost his faith, which got him through many pitfalls and dark days. When Ed’s two sons were very young, his wife walked out and left him to raise them all by himself, which he did. Six years later, Ed’s ex-wife returned and sued him for full custody, saying that a blind man shouldn’t have her kids. The judge agreed, tearing Ed's sons away from their father's loving home. Ed fought the heartbreaking decision with appeals all the way up to the highest level of the court system. Eventually, he prevailed, marking the very first time in US history that a disabled person was awarded custody over a non-disabled spouse. Even in his later years, Ed is still enjoying a remarkably blessed life. In 2006, he married his second wife, Allison, at home plate in old Yankee Stadium, the only time that such a thing ever happened on that iconic spot. Yankee owner George Steinbrenner himself catered the whole affair, which was shown live on national television.Seeing Home: The Ed Lucas Story is truly a magical read and a universally uplifting and inspirational tale for everyone, whether or not you happen to be a sports fan. Over his long and amazing life, Ed has collected hundreds of anecdotes from his personal relationships and encounters with everyone, from kings and presidents to movie stars and sports Hall-of-Famers, many of which he shares in this memoir, using his trademark humorous and engaging style, cowritten with his youngest son, Christopher.