Why are recessions not all bad(pg. 51)Which Major League Baseball team keeps its baseballs in a humidor and why(pg. 123)Why is 300 cents more than 3 dollars(pg. 49)Mark Di Vincenzo, author of the New York Times bestseller Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon, returns with more fascinating facts! Do you know:(1) what percentage of doctors in China smoke?(2) which is the most dangerous day of the year to drive a car?(3) whether a heart can literally break(4) how much investors paid for a Canadian cow named MissyWithin these pages you'll find tips and facts that will save you money, help you live healthier, and make you the most interesting person to talk to at any party.

William Shakespeare's plays and poetry make up a vast repository of wit and wisdom, of insight and passion. For the momentous events in our lives the ones that call for some memorable remarks or a great toast the Bard is the perfect speechwriter. On any occasion, chances are there's a Shakespeare quote that's fitting. The challenge, of course, is finding the right one.Enter Barry Edelstein. One of the top Shakespeare directors and teachers in the country, he can help you pick the perfect "Bardism," pronounce it with style, and craft an elegant speech, talk, or missive around it.Bardisms provides the best of Shakespeare's wisdom, with passages that mark the special times as well as the everyday: A wedding vow: "To you I give myself, for I am yours." As You Like It For your darling little girl: "You gods, look down / And from your sacred vials pour your graces / Upon my daughter's head." The Winter's Tale Birthday greeting: "To me, fair friend, you can never be old;" Sonnet 104 Time to party: "Let's mock the midnight bell." Antony and Cleopatra On reputation: "Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, / Is the immediate jewel of their souls." Othello Edelstein takes the reader step by step through each Shakespeare quote, providing eminently helpful tips for speaking the lines like a pro. The book is organized chronologically, covering all stages of life from childbirth to commencement, marriage, the workplace, old age, and all the significant events in between.Bardisms celebrates Shakespeare's genius with a wealth of fascinating tidbits about his life and times, his work and his art. Edelstein explores what it is about Shakespeare's writing that makes it so fitting for important moments: his perfect balance of wit and sentimentality; his boundless imagination; his ability to express emotion at its purest; and his talent for communicating a complex thought in vivid and energetic terms.Most of all, Bardisms makes Shakespeare infinitely more accessible, lending a freshness and vitality to his writing and fostering a new appreciation for its usefulness in our lives. For anyone struggling to come up with the perfect words, in any situation, Bardisms is the ultimate resource.

Way 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 bobcat Splicing a rope Rescuing someone from drowning Sending a smoke signal Building a log cabin And much, much, much more including, of course, how to catch a pig!

"I can't choose between my two best friends. Can I have two maids of honor?""My fiance 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 Whitedraws 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.

There's a social aspect to golf that's unique to the sport. It's the only sport where you're building relationships at the same time that you're trying to play your best and win—and maybe close a business deal. While the rules of golf are clearly defined, the etiquette of golf is less codified. Making the wrong move can cause annoyance, errors in play, or even injury—all things your fellow golfers won't forget. Now bestselling etiquette authority and passionate golfer Peter Post explains what seasoned golfers and newcomers need to know to handle every situation with total confidence. Based on Emily Post Institute surveys on golfers' most annoying incidents on the course, Peter addresses: ?How to deal with the biggest frustration in golf—slow play. ?What to do if you break the cardinal rule of never being late. ?When is a "gimme" acceptableThe difference between friendly play and tournament play. ?Dealing with sandbaggers and other cheats. ?Do's and don'ts when playing for "a little something." Peter Post's useful tips on the subtleties of the game—such as how and when to offer advice, strategies for speeding up play, and "piniquette"—will help longtime golfers be better companions on the course. New golfers unsure of the unwritten social rules of golf will find all the information they need to avoid embarrassment. Packed with true stories from golfers about best moments and worst behavioral blunders on the course—ranging from the sandbagger who cheated himself out of an eagle to a wardrobe malfunction that gave new meaning to the term "You're out"—this book is for anyone who appreciates the spirit of the game.

Are you thinking that you might have gotten a better deal on a purchase if only you'd known the right moment to buyDo you wonder if your workout would be more effective at another time of dayHave you worried that your tropical vacation plans might land you on an island paradise just in time for monsoon seasonMark Di Vincenzo's eye-opening, phenomenally useful New York Times bestseller, Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon, captured the attention of consumers across the country and saved readers time, money and trouble. Now he's back with hundreds of brand-new timing tips! Do you know:(1) The best month to buy a cell phone?(2) The best day of the week to take your car in for repairs(3) The best week of the year to visit Mexico City?(4) The best time to confront someone who "unfriended" you on Facebook?Get more for your money, maximize your time, take better care of your health and be savvier about your career simply by changing the time you do certain things. Timing truly is everything!

There's a social aspect to golf that's unique to the sport. It's the only sport where you're building relationships at the same time that you're trying to play your best and win and maybe close a business deal. While the rules of golf are clearly defined, the etiquette of golf is less codified. Making the wrong move can cause annoyance, errors in play, or even injury all things your fellow golfers won't forget.Now bestselling etiquette authority and passionate golfer Peter Post explains what seasoned golfers and newcomers need to know to handle every situation with total confidence. Based on Emily Post Institute surveys on golfers' most annoying incidents on the course, Peter addresses: How to deal with the biggest frustration in golf slow play. What to do if you break the cardinal rule of never being late. When is a "gimme" acceptableThe difference between friendly play and tournament play. Dealing with sandbaggers and other cheats. Do's and don'ts when playing for "a little something." Peter Post's useful tips on the subtleties of the game such as how and when to offer advice, strategies for speeding up play, and "piniquette" will help longtime golfers be better companions on the course. New golfers unsure of the unwritten social rules of golf will find all the information they need to avoid embarrassment. Packed with true stories from golfers about best moments and worst behavioral blunders on the course ranging from the sandbagger who cheated himself out of an eagle to a wardrobe malfunction that gave new meaning to the term "You're out" this book is for anyone who appreciates the spirit of the game.

This pocket edition of Richard McBrien's acclaimed Lives of the Popes is a practical quick reference tool for scholars, students, and anyone needing just a few concise facts about all the popes, from St. Peter to Benedict XVI.

Living a Jewish Life describes Judaism as not just a contemplative or abstract system of thought but as a blueprint for living fully and honorably. This new edition builds on the classic guide, which has been a favorite among Jewish educators and students for years. Enriched with additional resources, including online resources, this updated guide also references recent changes in the modern Jewish community, and has served as a resource and guide for none Jews as well as Jews. Addressing the choices posed by the modern world, Living a Jewish Life explains the traditions and beliefs of Judaism in the context of real life. It explores the spectrum of liberal Jewish thought, from Conservative to Reconstructionist to Reform, as well as unaffiliated, new age, and secular. Celebrating the diversity of Jewish beliefs, this guide provides information in ways that readers can choose how to incorporate Judaism into their lives. Readers will learn how to choose the right synagogue, and discover the meaning and significance of lighting Sabbath candles. "Shabbat," "Torah," "kosher," "mitzvah" and other key words are all defined in all of their complex and potent meanings. On the most basic level, this book explains the essential Jewish vocabulary, but more importantly, LIVING A JEWISH LIFE is a sensitive and comprehensive introduction that reveals the timeless nature of Jewish tradition, rich with history and relevant in the modern world.

In gathering the most fascinating questions asked about sports and entertainment into a handy Gem format, pop culture guru David Feldman demystifies these and much more in Imponderables : Fun and Games. Providing you with information you can't find in encyclopedias, dictionaries, or almanacs, Fun and Games is a fun look at the little things that make life so interesting.

Destination weddings planned in exotic locales, intimate weddings organized on a shoestring budget, full-scale galas with guests from all over the globe. . . . In A Wedding Like No Other, read the stories of some of the most incredible, romantic ceremonies and receptions collected by the wedding etiquette experts at the Emily Post Institute. As different as they all are, the stories featured here are examples of how a wedding can be heartwarming and unique even if everything doesn't go exactly as planned. In each one, the bride and groom make a determined effort for their wedding day to be an expression of their tastes and personalities, often in the face of unexpected obstacles. And in every case, the end result is a wonderful and memorable experience for the couple and for everyone else involved. Let these stories help inspire your own big day. The creative vows, cakes, toasts, and more described in these pages will spark your own ideas and help you personalize every detail of your wedding. Also, each story is followed by a short advice section, offering insights and general wisdom on a large variety of topics from picking the venue to selecting the menu. Go beyond the standard, the expected, and make your big day a cherished, uplifting, unforgettable experience. You already have a love like no other, so celebrate it with a wedding like no other.

How to Be Party Ready AnytimeThe Host: Producer, Director, and StarPlan to Have Fun: Party Lists and TimetablesClassics with a Twist: Cocktail, Wine, and Cheese PartiesYour Signature Dinner PartyA Breath of Fresh Air: Outdoor Parties With so many things to think about when hosting a party, you really need to have all the answers in one place. Emily Post's Great Get-Togethers is that place. This jam-packed guide shows a whole new generation how to be ready to entertain on short notice, create a welcoming atmosphere, eliminate stress, and plan ahead. You'll even find easy-to-prepare recipes that your guests will rave about.With detailed calendars showing what needs to be done when, shopping and supply lists that detail myriad resources at your disposal, theme ideas, menu suggestions, helpful hints, and social musts and "no-no's," novice and experienced hosts alike will find priceless information and guidance. Most important, though, you will learn to cultivate your confidence as a host. Anna and Lizzie show that entertaining is both fun and easy, and their ideas ensure that every party you throw will be one to remember.

Millions of Readers, Eighteen Editions, One Trusted ResourceFrom social networking to social graces, the name Emily Post has been the definitive source on etiquette for generations of Americans. That tradition continues with the 18th edition of Etiquette, which welcomes a new generation of Posts Anna Post, Lizzie Post, and Daniel Post Senning the great-great grandchildren of Emily Post. Led by Peggy Post, author of the 16th and 17th editions of Etiquette, this team shows how twenty-first-century manners are a combination of kindness, confidence, and awareness. New trends, topics, and societal hot zones include: When is it okay to unfriend someone on FacebookIf I'm in a middle seat on an airplane, do I automatically get both armrestsA business client is sick with a cold am I obligated to shake his handIs it rude for guests to tweet from a weddingDo I have to buy a gift if I attend a destination weddingCan I email a condolence noteShould I cover up my tattoo for a job interviewThe Posts don't stint on classic conundrums, either. Emily Post's Etiquette includes advice on names and titles, dress codes, invitations, table manners, workplace frustrations, and weddings. According to the Posts, though times have changed, the principles of good manners remain constant. Above all, manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. Being considerate, respectful, and honest is more important than knowing which fork to use. Whether it's a handshake or a fist bump, it's the underlying sincerity and good intentions of the action that matter most.

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette is the classic indispensable, comprehensive guide to creating the wedding of your dream, now in its sixth edition. Today's weddings are more complicated than ever, with new traditions replacing old, and new relationships to consider as family life grows more complex. Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette has everything a bride will ever need to know to have the perfect wedding. Anna Post guides brides and their friends and family through weddings to maximize fun and reduce stress, including: How to handle awkward family situations How to address envelopes and word invitations How to choose an officiant How to blend family traditions The timeline of events throughout the engagement and during the wedding Who to include on your guest list How to use technology to your advantage

In Essential Manners for Men, etiquette expert Peter Post tackles the issues of real concern for today's man, enabling him to make the right decisions about what to do and say in every situation that counts, whether in daily life, social life, or on the job. Sharp, savvy, and sensible—filled with accessible sidebars, tips, and stories from the author's own experiences—this classic New York Times bestselling handbook has been updated to reflect the realities of our modern times with all new material, including: ?Social media: social networking, gaming, and the world of online dating ?Communication in person: greetings, handshakes, and how to make the all-important good first impression ?Communication on-the-go: texting, e-mailing, and using smart phones ?Life changes: dealing with bumps in the road, from divorce to layoffs ?Weddings: the man's role, from groom to best man to usher, and the changing nature of the bachelor party ?Entertaining, dining, tipping Also: Sportsmanship Parenting Sharing living space with a roommate, spouse, or significant other Navigating the business dinner Throwing a great party or being a perfect guest . . . and much more.

Some guides to a subject could more or less be written by any expert in that field, but a small minority are unique creations of a rare individual who has their own view. Unfortunately most of the latter types of guides fail to be good general guides. Verity's genius makes him the exception. This book is arranged in chronological chapters that trace the evolution of poetry as an art form. At the same time, each chapter gives a most practical explanation of how that aspect of poetry that it covers works and why. The book is immensely readable, hugely informative, and adds to the ability of the reader to enjoy and to create poetry. It is a classic.' "Epictetus" (Amazon review) 'The great merit of Verity's approach is that he quotes lavishly throughout, not only from the poems themselves, but also from a variety of critics' LIBRARY REVIEWS 'Of his first book of sonnets Kingsley Amis wrote ‘They belong within the corpus of English poetry’ Excerpts of Interview with Kenneth Verity on The Vanessa Phelps BBC Radio programme on June 2009 on the News Page (off the Home page) 'The amount of reading which underpins this book is breathtaking. The great merit of Verity's approach is that he quotes lavishly throughout, not only from the poems themselves, but also from a variety of critics ... The chapter on poetry's figurative element is a model of lucid definition and telling illustration, showing how many layers of meaning may lie behind a single word' LIBRARY REVIEWS The author writes:'The intention of this book is to examine and analyse the essential nature of the phenomenon we call poetry; to seek an understanding of the power this art form exerts over mind and heart; to comprehend its potency; and to explain its perennial ability to command the respect of mankind'. Almost a library in one volume, this unusual book, written by an accomplished poet, examines the 4000 years old phenomenon of poetry. Combining history, literature and philosophy, it explains the underlying power of this art form and how its effect is exerted over human hearts and understanding. Since the Greeks at least, poetry has been accorded pre-eminence in the arts. Poetry’s aesthetic supremacy and inhering mystery has made it the foremost form of expression when human beings need to say something important in a special way. Poetry has been defined as the best words in the best order. In poetry, the author suggests, the eternal intersects the everyday – it has been said that poetry is the language in which man explores his own amazement. He shows how poetry has provided a vehicle for inspiration and fresh ways of thinking and interpreting the perennial questions of the human race. The author makes clear that poetry ‘works’ because it acknowledges the universality of human psychology, and because it unites emotion with reason and tempers imagination with understanding. Over 200 poets from both East and West are quoted, and the work of 10 master poets is critically analysed and assessed. The major factors involved in translating poetry are discussed, particularly the difficulty of conveying the meaning without losing the spirit. The central features of inspiration and creativity are elucidated. The unbroken stream of poetry carries resonances of the growth and decay of civilisations, the vicissitudes of wars, the effects of migrations and trading, the influences of religious belief. The author considers, from his own experience, that poetry remains peerless in evaluating and articulating the riches of the human spirit.

FOREWORD BY RYAN TUBRIDY The authoritative and comprehensive guide to tracing your Irish ancestry There's never been a better time to trace your Irish family history. Vast internet resources and DNA testing, as well as access to censuses, religious records and other archive material make this process easier than ever. Anthony Adolph gives you a wide range of tools and information to discover your Irish ancestry. The text is packed with weblinks to enable you to search the great number of records now available online, as well as providing contact information on other sources, such as archives and libraries. He explains how to trace family in Ireland, starting from various countries around the world (including Ireland itself of course), as well as looking at surnames, heraldry, families of non-Irish origin, and poignant stories of migration from Ireland. By reading this book you'll also be drawn into the lives your ancestors led, through the examples, compelling stories and fascinating social history which are interwoven within the text. This is the complete resource for discovering your Irish family history, and as a result, learning more about who you are and where you come from.

This is a Christmas themed best seller about Lily and her beloved Blue Kangaroo! It's Christmas Eve, and Lily is excitedly wondering if Father Christmas will come. She has made cards for everyone, helped to decorate the house and put presents under the tree. "This one is just for you, Blue Kangaroo!" she says. "Just for me!" thinks Blue Kangaroo. But Blue Kangaroo doesn't have a present for Lily, and he lies awake worrying. Is there anyone who might be able to help?

Fancy Nancy is back in this magical new story about little girls’ favourite dolls… and not so favourite little sisters! When Fancy Nancy’s little sister JoJo gives Nancy’s favourite doll a tattoo, Fancy Nancy is livid (that’s fancy for tres angry and upset)! Even worse, it’s in permanent marker – that means it will NEVER come off! When Mum suggests a fancy doll party to make Nancy feel better, Nancy is excited to accept. But what if the doll drama is far from over? A new story in this bestselling series, about the love little girls feel for their favourite dolls – and favourite sisters!

David Mackintosh draws a lot when he’s on his own. In fact, all the pictures in this book were done that way, except once when a boll weevil walked across his desk as if it owned the place. As a student he lived in a house with the bathtub in the backyard, and on summer nights slept with the windows open, listening to mosquitos on the ceiling.

Rob is an award-winning designer, and a full-time author and illustrator. By night he makes up silly stories for his three daughters, and draws pictures to go with them.He lives and works in London, and his first book was the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize-winning Blown Away, starring Penguin Blue. You can visit Rob, Penguin Blue and all their friends at www.robbiddulph.com.