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A Devil to Play: One Man's Year-Long Quest to Master the Orchestra's Most Difficult Instrument
by Jasper ReesIn the days before his fortieth birthday, London-based journalist Jasper Rees trades his pen for a French horn that has been gathering dust in the attic for more than twenty-two years, and, on a lark, plays it at the annual festival of the British Horn Society. Despite an embarrassingly poor performance, the experience inspires Rees to embark on a daunting, bizarre, and ultimately winning journey: to return to the festival in one year's time and play a Mozart concerto—solo—to a large paying audience.A Devil to Play is the true story of an unlikely midlife crisis spent conquering sixteen feet of wrapped brass tubing widely regarded as the most difficult instrument to master, as well as the most treacherous to play in public. It is the history of man's first musical instrument, a compelling journey that moves from the walls of Jericho to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, from the hunting fields of France to the heart of Hollywood. And it is the account of one man's mounting musical obsession, told with pitch-perfect wit and an undeniable charm—an endearing, inspiring tale of perseverance and achievement, relayed masterfully, one side-splittingly off-key note at a time.
Best-Loved Chinese Proverbs
by Theodora Lau Kenneth Lau Laura Lau"By filling one's head instead of one's pocket, one cannot be robbed."The appeal of Chinese proverbs is profound and universal. With brevity, clarity, and simplicity, these carefully chosen words help pass wisdom and insight throughout the ages. This timeless, eloquent collection of proverbs offers fundamental truths about the natural world and the human condition, on subjects such as:Ability • Adversity • Beauty • Character • Conflict Cooperation • Deception • Defeat • Fortune • Greed • Happiness Honor • Inspiration • Knowledge • Leadership • Love Moderation • Necessity • Neighbors • Obstinacy • Opportunity Perseverance • Pride • Sincerity • Strategy • Success Thought • Trust • Victory • Wisdom • And More"With our thoughts we must build our world."
The Games Do Count: America's Best and Brightest on the Power of Sports
by Brian KilmeadeWhat do Henry Kissinger, Jack Welch, Condoleezza Rice, and Jon Bon Jovi have in common? They have all reached the top of their respective professions, and they all credit sports for teaching them the lessons that were fundamental to their success. In his years spent interviewing and profiling celebrities, politicians, and top businesspeople, popular sportscaster and Fox & Friends cohost Brian Kilmeade has discovered that nearly everyone shares a love of sports and has a story about how a game, a coach, or a single moment of competition changed his or her life.These vignettes have entertained, surprised, and inspired readers nationwide with their insight into America's most respected and well-known personalities. Kilmeade presents more than seventy stories straight from the men and women themselves and those who were closest to them. From competition to camaraderie, individual achievement to teamwork, failure to success, the world of sports encompasses it all and enriches our lives. The Games Do Count reveals this simple and compelling truth: America's best and brightest haven't just worked hard -- they've played hard -- and the results have been staggering!
Everything Is Wrong with Me
by Jason MulgrewA memoir of startling insight, divine comedy, and irreversible, unconscionable stupidity Fans of Jason Mulgrew's wildly popular blog know that everything really is wrong with him. The product of a raucous, not-just-semi-but-fully-dysfunctional Philadelphia family, Jason has seen it all-from Little League games of unspeakable horror to citywide parades ending in stab wounds; from hard-partying longshoremen fathers to feathered-hair, no-nonsense, kindhearted mothers; and from conscience-crippling Catholic dogmas to the equally confounding religion of women. With chapter titles like "My Bird: Inadequacy and Redemption" (no, he is not referring to a parakeet) and "On the Relationship Between Genetics and Hustling," Everything Is Wrong with Me proves that, as Jason puts it, "writing is a fantastical exercise in manic depression"-but he never fails to ensure that laughter is part of the routine. With echoes of Jean Shepherd transplanted to Philly in the eighties and nineties, this book is a must-read for every person who looks back wistfully on his or her childhood and family and wonders, "What were we thinking?"
Do I Have To Wear White?
by Anna Post"I can't choose between my two best friends. Can I have two maids of honor?" "My fiancÉ and I are considering a destination wedding. Are we obligated to cover our attendants' travel expenses?" "Do we have to invite our guests' children to our wedding?" "I'm still close to my ex-husband's parents. Would it be okay to invite them to my wedding?" "How do my partner and I go about planning our commitment ceremony?" "My parents are divorced and each has remarried. Where do they sit in church?" "Do I have to wear white?" Do I Have to Wear White? draws on the Posts' extensive database of wedding questions received through their Web site, as well as popular topics addressed in their columns. For busy engaged couples and their families, attendants, and guests, this book provides at-a-glance answers to everything from essential bridal basics to the knotty logistical questions that spring up around this joyous-yet often complex-event.
"Excuse Me, But I Was Next..."
by Peggy PostHave you ever been annoyed by cell phone yakkers, line cutters, or movie chatterers? Been confused about who pays at a restaurant? Received a gift you hated? Fumed over how to respond to a nosy question? America's etiquette expert Peggy Post comes to the rescue in this concise, readable handbook devoted to the top 100 etiquette issues everyone wonders about. You'll learn how to politely say "no" to difficult requests, how to introduce someone if you've forgotten his or her name, how to perform damage control for e-mail bloopers, and countless other strategies for handling life's awkward moments. Additional highlights include: Ten Conversational Blunders . . . Five Introduction Goofs . . . Top Dinner-Table Manners Goofs . . . Tipping Guidelines . . . A Family Gathering Survival Guide . . . How to Spot a Dud on the First Date . . . Playdate Etiquette . . . How to Be a Welcome Houseguest . . . How to Simplify Gift Giving . . . Dispelling Wedding Myths . . . and much more. In "Excuse Me, But I Was Next . . . ," Peggy Post distills the essence of etiquette for today's world into the perfect portable book.
How to Catch a Pig: Lots of Cool Stuff Guys Used to Know but Forgot About the Great Outdoors
by Denis BoylesWay back before man abandoned the woods for the cities—and traded his hunting rifle for a BlackBerry—he had to know how to do certain things to survive. He had to trap and build and grow things, using his calloused hands and valuable knowledge passed down through the generations. For most men today, these once-cherished skills are as dead as the dodo.But take heart! Now guys can reconnect with those less-complicated times, rediscover how to embrace adventure, and appreciate the outdoor life. Denis Boyles, principal author of A Man's Life, has culled a wealth of essential, nearly lost manly endeavors from U.S. government pamphlets, century-old publications, and ancient scouting manuals to help reeducate us in the fine macho arts of:Tracking a bobcatSplicing a ropeRescuing someone from drowningSending a smoke signalBuilding a log cabinAnd much, much, much more—including, of course, how to catch a pig!
Flyaway: How A Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings
by Suzie Gilbert“A delightful must-read…. It charms, delights, and educates while providing a fascinating tale of love and devotion to the feathered creatures that share our increasingly crowded world.” — Joanna Burger, author of The Parrot Who Owns Me“Gilbert’s ethics and talent for writing have made her the perfect author to bring the world of wildlife rehabilitation to the reader.” — Wilson JournalIn this captivating memoir, Suzie Gilbert tells the rollicking story of how she turned her family life upside down to pursue her unusual passion for rehabilitating wild birds. Fans of Michael Pollan, James Herriot, and Elizabeth Marshal Thomas are sure to find much to cherish in Flyaway.
The Unwritten Rules of Baseball: The Etiquette, Conventional Wisdom, and Axiomatic Codes of Our National Pastime
by Paul DicksonFrom beanballs to basebrawls, the most important rules governing the game of baseball have never been officially written down—until now.They have no sanction from the Commissioner, appear nowhere in any official publication, and are generally not posted on any clubhouse wall. They represent a set of time-honored customs, rituals, and good manners that show a respect for the game, one's teammates, and one's opponents. Sometimes they contradict the official rulebook. The fans generally only hear about them when one is bent or broken, and it becomes news for a few days. Now, for the first time ever, Paul Dickson has put these unwritten rules down on paper, covering every situation, whether on the field or in the clubhouse, press box, or stands. Along with entertaining baseball axioms, quotations, and rules of thumb, this essential volume contains the collected wisdom of dozens of players, managers, and reporters on the secret rules that you break at your own risk, such as:1.7.1. In a Fight, Everyone Must Leave the Bench and the Bullpen Has to Join In1.13.3. In a Blowout Game, Never Swing as Hard as You Can at a 3-0 Pitch5.1.0. In Areas That Have Two Baseball Teams, Any Given Fan Can Only Really Root For One of Them
Bible Babel: Making Sense of the Most Talked About Book of All Time
by Kristin Swenson“Kristin Swenson offers a confident, well-paced, well-informed, and accessible guide to Bible basics and biblical literacy.” — Walter Brueggemann, author of An Unsettling God: The Heart of the Hebrew BibleBible Babel, from author and religious studies professor Kristin Swenson, is a lively, humorous, and very readable introduction to the Bible—what’s in it, where it comes from, and how it is used in our culture today. If you’ve ever wondered about the origin of the Christian fish symbol; the history of the Good Book; how the Bible weighs in on contemporary political issues; or even the biblical source of pop-culture references in WALL-E or Battlestar Galatica, then this is the book for you. Readers of A. J. Jacobs’s Year of Living Biblically and David Plotz’s Good Book will enjoy Bible Babel, a perfect primer for anyone interested in the Bible—secular and believing alike.
The Gospels of Mary
by Esther A. De Boer Marvin MeyerMary Magdalene, Jesus's Closest Disciple Marvin Meyer, one of the foremost scholars of the Gnostic Gospels: translates and introduces the Gnostic and New Testament texts that together reveal the story and importance of Mary Magdalene includes new translations of the Gospels of Mary, Thomas, Philip, and related texts about Mary Magdalene discloses, with Esther A. De Boer, the long-suppressed story of Mary's vital role in the life of Jesus and in the formative period after his crucifixion presents as authentically as possible the real Mary Magdalene
The Gospels of Mary
by Marvin W. Meyer Esther A. De BoerMary Magdalene, Jesus's Closest DiscipleMarvin Meyer, one of the foremost scholars of the Gnostic Gospels:translates and introduces the Gnostic and New Testament texts that together reveal the story and importance of Mary Magdaleneincludes new translations of the Gospels of Mary, Thomas, Philip, and related texts about Mary Magdalenediscloses, with Esther A. De Boer, the long-suppressed story of Mary's vital role in the life of Jesus and in the formative period after his crucifixionpresents as authentically as possible the real Mary Magdalene
The Gospel of Thomas
by Marvin MeyerA fresh, authoritative English translation, with an informative introduction, fascinating explanatory notes, and the Coptic text, with interpretation by Harold Bloom, our pre-eminent literary critic.
The Gospel of Thomas
by Marvin W. MeyerA fresh, authoritative English translation, with an informative introduction, fascinating explanatory notes, and the Coptic text, with interpretation by Harold Bloom, our pre-eminent literary critic.
The Gnostic Gospels of Jesus: The Definitive Collection of Mystical Gospels and Secret Books about Jesus of Nazareth
by Marvin W. MeyerFor all those readers curious to read the actual texts of the Gnostic Gospels, here is the definitive collection of all the Gnostic Gospels and Gospel-like texts. o Marvin Meyer, premier scholar of Gnostic and other Christian literature outside the New Testament, presents every Gnostic Gospel and Jesus text with a brilliant overall introduction, introductions to each text, and notes that explain everything the reader needs to know to understand the text. He includes his latest translations of not only the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Philip, the Gospel of Mary, but other texts such as the Secret Book of John, which some scholars regard as the second part of the New Testament Gospel of John. The material is largely from the discovery at Nag Hammadi, freshly translated and introduced, but also includes texts found elsewhere. The texts, especially taken together, present an image of Jesus as the ultimate wisdom teacher, a kind of mysterious Jewish Zen master, who scandalized listeners by his radical egalitarianism (regarding women, slaves, the poor, the marginalized as of equal status, or more, with establishment male believers) and his insistence on living the message, spiritual experience, vs. outer observance only. o For those wanting to learn more after reading The Da Vinci Code. This book provides the definitive next book for those looking for expert presentation of the alternative Gnostic stream of Christianity, in which there is no talk of crucifixion and Mary Magdalene is presented as the disciple that Jesus loved best. "Marv is one of the original secret gospels scholars who has done an enormous amount of work to bring these texts to light. All of his research on the Nag Hammadi texts is having an incredible impact on our knowledge of early Christian history--it is virtually redefining it." --Dr. Elaine Pagels, Princeton University
George Lucas's Blockbusting: A Decade-by-Decade Survey of Timeless Movies Including Untold Secrets of Their Financial and Cultural Success
by Alex Ben Block Lucy Autrey WilsonA comprehensive look at 300 of the most financially and/or critically successful motion pictures of all time—many made despite seemingly insurmountable economic, cultural, and political challenges—set against the prevailing production, distribution, exhibition, marketing, and technology trends of each decade in movie business history.
The Gnostic Discoveries
by Marvin W. MeyerThe Meaning of the Nag Hammadi, now in paperback opens the with the thrilling adventure story of the discovery of the ancient Papyrii at Nag Hammadi. Muhammad Ali, the fellahin, discovered the sealed jar, he feared that it might contain a jinni, or spirit, but also had heard of hidden treasures in such jars. Greed overcame his fears and when he smashed open the jar, gold seemed to float into the air. To his disappointment, it was papyrus fragmenst, not gold, but for scholars around the world, it was invaluable.Meyer then discusses the pre-Christian forms of wisdom that went onto influence what Christians believe today. In addition, some Nag Hammadi texts are attributed to Valentinus, a man who almost became Pope, and whose rejection changed the church in significant ways. Text by text, Meyer traces the history and impact of this great find on the Church, right up to our current beliefs and popular cultural fascination with this officially suppressed secret knowledge about Jesus and his followers.
The Enneagram Made Easy
by Elizabeth Wagele Renee BaronThe first easy, and fun ?uide to the Enneagram, the fascinating and revealing method of understanding personality types, for the beginner, the expert, and everyone in between. This witty and informative guide demystifies the ancient Enneagram system with cartoons, exercises, and personality tests that reveal our motivations and desires and show how to put that knowledge to use in our everyday lives. The 9 types of people: The Perfectionist motivated by the need to live life the right way, improve oneself and others, and avoid anger. The Helper motivated by the need to be loved and appreciated and to express your positive feelings towards others. The Achiever motivated by the need to be productive, to achieve success, and to avoid failure. The Romantic motivated by the need to understand your feelings and to be understood to search for the meaning of life, and to avoid being ordinary. The Observer motivated by the need to know everything and understand the universe, to be self-sufficient and left alone, and to avoid not having the answer or looking foolish. The Questioner motivated by the need for security, to feel taken care of, or to confront your fears. The Adventurer motivated by the need to be happy and plan fun things, to contribute to the world, and to avoid suffering and pain. The Asserter motivated by the need to be self-reliant and strong, to make an impact on the world, and to avoid being weak. The Peacemaker motivated by the need to keep the peace, merge with others, and avoid conflict.
Ifferisms
by Mardy GrotheIf the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. If you do not tell the truth about yourself, you cannot tell it about other people. If you can't be kind, at least be vague. An aphorism is a pithy observation that attempts to communicate a truth about the human experience, often with a dash of wit. History's greatest thinkers and writers have viewed the aphorism as a potent tool, and it is remarkable how many of their most memorable observations have been introduced with the biggest little word in the human language: If. These ifferisms, as they have been dubbed by quotation anthologist Dr. Mardy Grothe, demonstrate the powerful role that hypothetical and conditional thinking play in our lives. This novel compendium of wisdom, wit, and wordplay presents nearly two thousand quotations that all begin with the word if. Alongside history's most famous sayings, readers will find--and often learn the fascinating story behind--such modern classics as "If you build it, they will come" and "If anything can go wrong, it will." In chapters on sex, love, sports, politics, advice, gender dynamics, and more, quotation lovers will savor scintillating observations from the usual suspects--Twain, Wilde, Shaw, Emerson, and Franklin--as well as scores of contemporary wits and wordsmiths.
Ifferisms: An Anthology of Aphorisms That Begin with the Word "IF"
by Dr Mardy GrothePerfect for linguaphiles and lovers of quotes, Ifferisms is a lively compendium of wit, wisdom, and wordplay from Dr. Mardy Grothe, author of I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like, Viva La Repartee, and Oxymoronica. A collection of aphorisms--pithy observations that communicate some kind of truth about the human experience--Ifferisms contains those that begin with "if." From "If life hands you lemons, make lemonade" to "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," the sayings in Ifferisms demonstrate how hypothetical thinking helps people contemplate their lives.
Heresy: A History of Defending the Truth
by Alister E. McGrathIn Heresy, leading religion expert and church historian Alister McGrath reveals the surprising history of heresy and rival forms of Christianity, arguing that the church must continue to defend what is true about Jesus. He explains that remaining faithful to Jesus’s mission and message is still the mandate of the church despite increasingly popular cries that traditional dogma is outdated and restricts individual freedom.
Get Cooking: 150 Simple Recipes to Get You Started in the Kitchen
by Mollie Katzen“A fresh, contemporary entry in the 101 subgenre that is truly simple . . . the rare beginner's book that accomplishes its mission.” —Publishers Weekly, starred reviewGet Cooking is the first in a series of cookbooks geared toward beginners by Mollie Katzen, the author of the bestselling Moosewood Cookbook. Here are 125 foolproof , basic recipes for soups, homemade pasta, roast chicken, burgers, vegan specialities, chocolate chip cookies—and more—that anyone can enjoy making, no matter how inexperienced they are in the kitchen.
The Other Book... of the Most Perfectly Useless Information
by Mitchell SymonsThe latest entry in Mitchell Symons's trivia trifecta is chock-full of more obscure scientific facts, sporting stats, celebrity gossip, and pure trivia than ever! Did you know that: Polar bears cover their black noses with their paws for better camouflage? John Steinbeck had to rewrite Of Mice and Men because his dog ate the first draft? Wayne Newton is a descendant of Pocahontas? Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood because metal was in short supply? Brooke Shields and Glenn Close are cousins? Diet Coke was invented in 1982. However, in 1379, a Mr. and Mrs. Coke of Yorkshire, England, named their daughter "Diot" (a diminutive of Dionisia, the predecessor of the modern-day name Denise)? Male monkeys go bald in much the same way that men do? James Gandolfini was voted Best Looking by his high school class? If you are titillated by trivia or fascinated by facts, The Other Book . . . of the Most Perfectly Useless Information will keep you entertained for hours!
The Class of Football: Words of Hard-Earned Wisdom from Legends of the Gridiron
by Adam SchefterInsightful, poignant, inspiring, and witty, The Class of Football is a heartfelt collection of hard-earned wisdom and life's lessons from the Hall-of-Fame induction speeches of the NFL's all-time greatest players.Compiled in conjunction with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, The Class of Football brings together sage advice from legends of the game whose knowledge, leadership, experience, and athletic prowess made them heroes on and off the field. George Halas speaks on history, Alan Page on justice, Gale Sayers on perseverance, John Madden on passion, Steve Largent on mentors, Mike Singletary on childhood, Michael Irvin on family, Marv Levy on philosophy, and Willie Davis and the rest of the great Green Bay Packers on Vince Lombardi. Each Hall of Famer reflects on his life and career and, even more important, addresses how and why he was able to arrive, once and for all, in Canton, Ohio. Motivating and gripping, these wise words from nearly five decades of Hall-of-Fame history will live on long after the cheering.
The Bible with Sources Revealed: A New View into the Five Books of Moses
by Richard Elliott FriedmanOne of the World's Foremost Bible Experts Offers a Groundbreaking Presentation of the Five Books of MosesIn The Bible with Sources Revealed, Richard Elliott Friedman offers a new, visual presentation of the Five Books of Moses -- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy -- unlocking the complex and fascinating tapestry of their origins. Different colors and type styles allow readers to easily identify each of the distinct sources, showcasing Friedman's highly acclaimed and dynamic translation.NOTE: This book is meant to be experienced in color and the eBook is not compatible with black and white devices.