Search results for ""spark""

“Whether you're leading an advertising agency, a Fortune 500 company, a middle school, or a political movement, you need to read this book.” —Daniel H. Pink, author of When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing In one of the most original books of its kind ever written, Patrick Hanlon explains how the most powerful brands create a community of believers, revealing the seven components that will help every company and marketer capture the public imagination—and seize a bigger slice of the pie.What is the magic glue that adheres consumers to Google, Mini Cooper, and Oprah, but not to others? Why do many brands with great product innovation, perfect locations, terrific customer experiences, and breakthrough advertising fail to get the same visceral traction in the marketplace that brands like Apple, Starbucks, or Nike have? After years of working with famous brands like Absolut, Ford Motor Company, LEGO, Disney, Montblanc, Sara Lee, and others, Patrick Hanlon, senior advertising executive and founder of Thinktopia, decided to find the answers. His search revealed seven definable assets that together construct the belief system that lies behind every successful brand, whether it's a product, service, city, personality, social cause, or movement. In Primalbranding, Hanlon explores those seven components, known as the primal code, and shows how to use and combine them to create a community of believers in which the consumer develops a powerful emotional attachment to the brand. These techniques work for everyone involved in creating and selling an image, from marketing managers to social advocates to business leaders seeking to increase customer preference for new or existing products. Primalbranding presents a world of new possibilities for everyone trying to spark public appeal—and the opportunity to move from being just another product on the shelf to becoming a desired and necessary part of the culture.

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Winner of the Eleanor Maccoby Book Award“This engaging and well-written book is a significant advance in our understanding of when and how mentoring matters…[It] lays the foundations for an approach to mentoring that is both rigorous and rich in new ideas.”—Robert D. Putnam, author of Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis“Rhodes forces us to slam the brakes on ineffective practices and improve an industry that is devoted to the potential of our nation’s children…The author’s concrete recommendations will create new pathways to opportunity for youth in greatest need.”—Michael D. Smith, Executive Director, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance“A powerful assessment of what is needed to best help young people today.”—Pam Iorio, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of AmericaYouth mentoring is one of the most popular forms of volunteering in the world today, but does it work? Drawing on over thirty years of research and her own experience in the field, Jean Rhodes reveals that most mentoring programs fail to deliver what young people actually need. Many prioritize building emotional bonds between mentors and mentees. But research shows that effective programs go far beyond this, developing specific social, emotional, and intellectual skills.Most mentoring programs rely on volunteers, who rarely have the training to teach these skills. Their one-size-fits-all models struggle to meet the diverse needs of mentees, and rarely take account of the psychological effects of poverty on children. Rhodes doesn’t think we should give up on mentoring—far from it. Instead, she recommends “organic” mentorship opportunities—in schools, youth sports leagues, and community organizations—and shares specific approaches that can spark meaningful change in young people’s lives.

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Rene Descartes is best known as the man who coined the phrase "I think, therefore I am." But though he is remembered most as a thinker, Descartes, the man, was no disembodied mind, theorizing at great remove from the worldly affairs and concerns of his time. Far from it. As a young nobleman, Descartes was a soldier and courtier who took part in some of the greatest events of his generation--a man who would not seem out of place in the pages of The Three Musketeers. In The Young Descartes, Harold J. Cook tells the story of a man who did not set out to become an author or philosopher--Descartes began publishing only after the age of forty. Rather, for years he traveled throughout Europe in diplomacy and at war. He was present at the opening events of the Thirty Years' War in Central Europe and Northern Italy, and was also later involved in struggles within France. Enduring exile, scandals, and courtly intrigue, on his journeys Descartes associated with many of the most innovative free thinkers and poets of his day, as well as great noblemen, noblewomen, and charismatic religious reformers. In his personal life he expressed love for men as well as women and was accused of libertinism by his adversaries. These early years on the move, in touch with powerful people and great events, and his experiences with military engineering and philosophical materialism all shaped the thinker and philosopher Descartes became in exile, where he would begin to write and publish, with purpose. But though it is these writings that made ultimately made him famous, The Young Descartes shows that this story of his early life, and the tumultuous times that molded him, are sure to spark a reappraisal of his philosophy and legacy.

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Earth-Saving Acts for Eco-Warriors is an empowering guide to living more sustainably with practical advice for fighting climate change. The worlds climate is changing, and its affecting the planet. The destruction of natural habitats and the rise in pollution are just some of the issues faced today. If you are someone who cares for nature and is worried about the environment, you might be wondering what you can do to help. Filled with useful information, inspiring articles, and sustainable ideas and projects, this Eco handbook gives you a wide range of ways to make a positive contribution to your community and the wider world. Find out how to make a difference, learn valuable skills, meet like-minded people, and gain experiences to remember. Are you ready to be part of the action rather than watching from the sidelines? You have what it takes to be an eco-warrior! Being an eco-warrior can mean many things: that you care about the environment, love the creatures who share Earth with us, or appreciate nature's gifts. Maybe you want future generations to enjoy our planet's beauty and resources. Whatever your interpretation, this guide will help you live a green lifestyle, make environmentally responsible choices, and encourage others to join in too. Short essays offer advice on how to practice and advocate for sustainable living, with simple tips for enacting small changes that can make a big difference. Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint or switch to a plant-based diet, engage your community by throwing a swap party to save unwanted items from ending up in landfill, and maintain hope by developing strategies to soothe eco-anxiety. If you're looking to take action and spark change, this book gives you the tools to make a difference.

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The tyranny of the gods is absolute, and they are capricious, malevolent and almost all-powerful, playing cruel games with the fates of mortals for their own ends . . .A vibrant and powerful epic set against an alternate Bronze Age, this tale of gods, men and monsters, conspiracy and war, is a rich, compelling and original read from a master of the historical and fantasy genres. The people caught up in toils of the gods are merely trying to survive. Victims of vicious whims, trapped by their circumstances or pushed beyond what the mortal frame can bear, a handful of god-touched mortals - a scribe, a warlord, a dancer and a child - are about to be brought together in a conspiracy of their own.A conspiracy to reach the heavens, and take down the corrupt and aging gods . . . who are already facing troubles of their own . . .An epic which draws on the Greek mythology of gods and heroes, this new trilogy is a must read for fans of Dan Simmons and Madeline Miller alike.Praise for Miles Cameron:'Utterly, utterly brilliant. A masterclass in how to write modern fantasy - world building, characters, plot and pacing, all perfectly blended. Miles Cameron is at the top of his game' John Gwynne, author of The Faithful and the Fallen series'Cold Iron is fantastic. It shimmers like a well-honed sword blade' Anna Smith Spark, author of The Court of Broken Knives'Promising historical fantasy debut featuring an expansive cast, an engaging plot, and a detailed eye for combat' The Ranting Dragon on The Red Knight'Literate, intelligent, and well-throughout . . . a pleasingly complex and greatly satisfying novel' SFF World on The Red Knight

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Learn about everything in the world from animals to art with this book of extraordinary figures and number-based facts for children aged 9-12!DK's cool compendium puts the fun back into learning, taking children on a number crunching journey around the wonders of our world. With zillions of fun figures at your fingertips, you are sure to expand your horizons and impress your friends with incredible statistics! Ever wondered how many stone blocks there are in the Great Pyramids at Giza? How long it takes to put on a spacesuit? Or what percentage of your brain you really use? Well look no further! This world fact book will keep both you and the kids entertained, arming you with nuggets of number knowledge and memorable information proving that data doesn't have to be boring. Tuck into a feast of fantastic figures and you will find:-More than 1,000 astonishing facts, divided into six thematic chapters-Over 80 topics encompassing earth, space, history, technology and more-Eye-catching double page spreads, including stunning photographs and graphics for every topic-Fun and surprising information to engage children in the world around themHow Big? How small? How many? How fast? Satisfying the most inquisitive minds, this trivia book for children provides the answers to those questions you've always wondered about, while offering fresh facts to stretch the imagination. Did you know, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest building with 160 floors?Or that the sperm whale can hold its breath underwater for an average duration of 90 minutes? From spectacular stars to ingenious inventions and extravagant fashion, the vast array of topics will spark curiosity in even the most reluctant readers, setting you on a fact-filled journey of discovery! So what are you waiting for?

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Peter Adamson explores the rich intellectual history of the Byzantine Empire and the Italian Renaissance. Peter Adamson presents an engaging and wide-ranging introduction to the thinkers and movements of two great intellectual cultures: Byzantium and the Italian Renaissance. First he traces the development of philosophy in the Eastern Christian world, from such early figures as John of Damascus in the eighth century to the late Byzantine scholars of the fifteenth century. He introduces major figures like Michael Psellos, Anna Komnene, and Gregory Palamas, and examines the philosophical significance of such cultural phenomena as iconoclasm and conceptions of gender. We discover the little-known traditions of philosophy in Syriac, Armenian, and Georgian. These chapters also explore the scientific, political, and historical literature of Byzantium. There is a close connection to the second half of the book, since thinkers of the Greek East helped to spark the humanist movement in Italy. Adamson tells the story of the rebirth of philosophy in Italy in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. We encounter such famous names as Christine de Pizan, Niccolò Machiavelli, Giordano Bruno, and Galileo, but as always in this book series such major figures are read alongside contemporaries who are not so well known, including such fascinating figures as Lorenzo Valla, Girolamo Savonarola, and Bernardino Telesio. Major historical themes include the humanist engagement with ancient literature, the emergence of women humanists, the flowering of Republican government in Renaissance Italy, the continuation of Aristotelian and scholastic philosophy alongside humanism, and breakthroughs in science. All areas of philosophy, from theories of economics and aesthetics to accounts of the human mind, are featured. This is the sixth volume of Adamson's History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps, taking us to the threshold of the early modern era.

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The first essay collection from one of the most acclaimed writers of our time. ‘This trenchant, unrepentant collection reminds you that she’s a brilliant writer… Order a copy in case she’s cancelled by Christmas’ THE TIMES (Book of the Year) ‘You may disagree with Lionel Shriver’s bracing journalism, but her right to spark disquiet goes to the heart of the freedom of expression issue’ Rachel Cooke, OBSERVER ‘Mutinous essays about modern politics and culture… An independent mind and a sense of humour are dangerous things to possess. The spiky, politically incorrect novelist Lionel Shriver has them in abundance’ THE TIMES ‘Testament to the fierce intelligence of a writer who wants us to think more, probe more, challenge more — and who also makes it fun’ THE SUNDAY TIMES Novelist, cultural observer and social satirist Lionel Shriver is among the sharpest talents of our age. A writer who embraces ‘under-expressed, unpopular or downright dangerous’ points of view, she regularly deplores the conformity of thought and attitude that has overtaken society. Bringing together thirty-five works curated from her many columns, features, essays and op-eds for the likes of the Spectator and Guardian, speeches and reviews, and some unpublished pieces, Abominations reveals Shriver at her most iconoclastic and personal. Relentlessly sceptical, cutting and contrarian but also frequently moving and vulnerable, this collection showcases her piquant opinions on a wide range of topics, including religion, politics, illness, mortality, family and friends, tennis, gender, immigration, consumerism, health care and taxes. Though some of the more divisive essays in Abominations have ‘brought hell and damnation down on my head,’ as she cheerfully explains, she also offers insights on her novels and explores the perks and pitfalls of becoming a successful artist. Readers will find plenty to challenge them here, but they may also find many nuanced and considered insights with which they agree.

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'Heart-warming and full of hope. I loved it' HEIDI SWAIN, Sunday Times bestselling author'The most beautiful, heart-warming story. Gorgeously cosy, uplifting . . . utterly lovely book' HOLLY MARTIN, bestselling author of Christmas at Mistletoe CoveEscape to the mountains and fall in love this Christmas . . . Alice Bright has a great life. She has a job she adores, a devoted family and friends she'd lay down her life for. But when tragedy strikes, she finds her whole world turned upside down. Enter, Bear, a fluffy, lovable - and rapidly growing! - puppy searching for a home. Bear may be exactly what Alice needs to rekindle her spark, but a London flat is no place for a mountain dog, and soon Alice and Bear find themselves on a journey to the snow-topped mountains of Switzerland in search of a new beginning. Amidst the warming log fires, cosy cafes and stunning views, Alice finds her heart slowly beginning to heal. But will new friends and a charming next door neighbour be enough to help Alice fall in love with life once more? Filled with winter markets, falling snow and heart-warming seasonal romance, this is the perfect festive treat for fans of Sarah Morgan and Heidi Swain'Dogs + snow + romance = Sunday afternoon bliss!' Fabulous'A warm, beautiful read full of hope and friendship - of both the two-legged and the four-legged kind' Laura Bambrey, author of The Beginners Guide to LonelinessReal readers love A Season in the Snow:'Will warm the cockles of any frozen heart and fill you with the joy magic and sparkle of the festive season.' *****'Perfect escapism from rainy England!' Bee Books Beauty Blog'This is the perfect Christmas book for the dog lover in your life!' *****'I loved this book and the way it made me feel so cosy and wintery.' *****

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“In a World of Endless Questions, Love Is the Only Answer.” There is a loving intelligence at the core of your being that can lead you to the fulfillment of your highest destiny. Four words hold the secret to accessing it: whatever arises, love that. With Whatever Arises, Love That, Matt Kahn presents an unabridged reading of his life-changing book, offering you a series of deeply healing insights and practices to ignite the spark of your highest potential. An Invitation to Open the Heart and Live As Love “Since receiving the insights to offer loving what arises as the foundational core of my teachings,” writes Matt Kahn, “I began to see people at every level of spiritual development heal old wounds, release lingering conditioning, and unravel so much fear, frustration, and confusion to reveal the Truth of their eternal nature in the most direct and heart-centered way. Soon, a `Love Revolution’ was created on a global scale, where personal differences were set aside to unite families, neighbors, communities, and countries in the importance of awakening unconditional love for the well-being of all.” Whatever Arises, Love That gives you the opportunity to reconnect with your heart’s innate wisdom, reclaim your lost innocence, and realize the incredible power you have by remembering that you always deserve “more love, not less.” HIGHLIGHTS • Discovering the first step in finding inner peace • Reclaiming the passion, joy, and inspiration of your true innocent nature • Exploring the essential role of surrender throughout the spiritual journey • Unraveling the patterns of ego with compassion and ease • Mastering the vital skill of conscious communication to uplift every relationship and encounter • Reuniting the mind and heart as a doorway into greater spiritual evolution

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Unearth the wonderful world of marvelous minerals, spectacular stones, and glistening gems in this complete guide to Earth’s rocks and minerals.Introducing Rocks and Minerals Ultimate Handbook, the latest title in DK’s Ultimate Handbook series which takes you on the journey to discover some of the world’s most fascinating rocks, minerals and gemstones of the natural world.This geology book for kids includes must-know facts and stats about more than 200 rocks, minerals, and gems, teaching all about where these objects come from, what they are made of, their uses, and their unique characteristics. With stats about each featured rock or mineral, including its colors, crystal shapes, and the materials it’s made of, this book is ideal for budding geologistsThis fascinating geology book for kids offers: - Thematic pages introducing different topics, including: the rock cycle, fossils, space rocks, birthstones, living gems, and more. - Bold photographs showing more than 200 rocks and minerals in great detail, including natural sites and buildings like Mount Rushmore, the Atacama Desert, and the Taj Mahal.-Each double page feature includes stat boxes, annotations, and mind-boggling facts to help children become true rockhounds.With this highly engaging geology book, children can identify different colors, crystal shapes and the materials different rocks are made of. The handbook style format allows children to be introduced to the topic of rocks and minerals in a way that is detailed, without being overwhelming or talking down to them. About the seriesDK’s Ultimate Handbook series will spark curiosity and amaze children aged 6+ interested in the world around them. If you liked Rocks and Minerals Ultimate Handbook, then you’ll love Animal Ultimate Handbook and learning about the Earth’s wildlife, or Dinosaur Ultimate Handbook and exploring the prehistoric world.

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Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts reveals the untold stories of his journey--from obscurity to becoming one of America's most successful and beloved country music artists--that will rally your own courage to find hope where you least expect it.From his humble beginnings in Ohio to the spark of early fame in Nashville to a fair share of surprises and setbacks, Jay has learned firsthand that the blessing only comes through the broken road. Shotgun Angels details his path to celebrated heights, as well as the hope instilled in him at a young age that started it all--a hope that sustained him when it looked like his music career was over and continues to fuel him today.As you discover more about Jay and his incredible story, you'll be encouraged to: Embrace the life-changing power of hope Find out who you are under pressure Dream big dreams--even if they seem out of reach With no shortage of humor, heart, and off-the-cuff candor, Jay gives you a backstage pass to the story behind the music and the musician. You'll follow his intensely personal journey through big breaks, broken dreams, desperate dashboard prayers, and limelight glories.Along the way, you'll find the same constant source of strength that he has--hope that's powerful enough to hold you up through whatever trials come your way.Praise for Shotgun Angels:"We all get asked at one time or another, 'How did this happen for you?' Usually our answers are uncomfortably awful. But Jay DeMarcus has dug deep inside to look not at his career but at himself. Such a rare look inside has created a rare book. Enjoy."--Cris Collinsworth, NBCSports broadcaster and former NFL wide receiver

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As seen on The TODAY Show!Break out of that rut and fall in love with your life again by joining stand-up comic, SiriusXM host, and mom of six Jennifer Fulwiler in finding your blue flame. Every one of us has a blue flame--a special skill, a personal passion, a gift or talent. But when caught up in life's busyness, it's too easy to make a habit of suppressing our most joyful contributions to the world.As Jennifer learned, the secret to a life you love isn't necessarily jumping the track, quitting your job, or hustling to make your dream your full-time reality. Rather, it's about doing more of what makes you come alive in your actual life. Your Blue Flame is your upbeat playbook to rekindling your energy, sparking those meaningful "first loves" back to life again, and discovering the unique way each one of us can make the world a better, brighter place.With Jennifer's wit and straight-forward, practical insights, this helpful guide will show you: How to channel your blue flame's contagious energy Why your blue flame is both personally fulfilling and a sacred duty to others Tips and tricks to boldly make time for your passions How to rethink dreaming big for your actual life No matter where you are in life, you'll be inspired with stories of others who found their flames, like the couple who packed up their three kids and moved to a farm, the woman who discovered a passion for letter-writing at age ninety-five, and of course Jennifer's own story of self-producing her own stand-up comedy tour after being turned down by the entertainment industry establishment.It's been said that the glory of God is the soul fully alive. It's time to start chasing our spark, and Your Blue Flame will show you how.

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USA Today Bestseller"It is a truth universally acknowledged that the young lady everyone assumes is mousy has uncharted depths... particularly when there's a scientific sister, an aphrodisiac, and the stepbrother of a duke around. Creative, unique, and racy --this story is not unlike the very elixir around which it is based."--Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things and A Spark of LightContinuing her bestselling Rogue Files series, Sophie Jordan brews up a scintillating romance about a timid wallflower who discovers a love potion and ends up falling for a dashing rogue.A love potion…Charlotte Langley has always been the prudent middle sister, so her family is not surprised when she makes the safe choice and agrees to wed her childhood sweetheart. But when she finds herself under the weather and drinks a “healing” tonic, the potion provokes the most maddening desire…for someone other than her betrothed.With the power…Kingston’s rakehell ways are going to destroy him and he’s vowed to change. His stepbrother’s remote estate is just the place for a reformed rogue to hide. The last thing he wants is to be surrounded by society, but when he gets stuck alone with a wallflower who is already betrothed... and she astonishes him with a fiery kiss, he forgets all about hiding.To alter two destinies.Although Charlotte appears meek, Kingston soon discovers there’s a vixen inside, yearning to break free. Unable to forget their illicit moment of passion, Kingston vows to relive the encounter, but Charlotte has sworn it will never happen again—no matter how earth-shattering it was. But will a devilish rogue tempt her to risk everything for a chance at true love?

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Everyone has imagination. Imagination helps us see new possibilities for the future, navigate in times of uncertainty, and spark new ideas. But most of us do not know how to use imagination to its fullest potential or how to harness the power of imagination to overcome obstacles. The result: our most important ideas and biggest ambitions never turn in to reality. This is The Imagination Gap. In this timely new book, Brian Reich shows us that imagination is the greatest natural resource available to humans and one of the most powerful forces in shaping behavior to make real change. He explains how the most creative thinkers, forward-looking entrepreneurs, and influential change agents, in every sector of our society, harness the power of their imaginations to achieve their goals, and motivate others to take action. He outlines how the strongest leaders show others how to use their imaginations to expand their individual and collective potential. In a rapidly changing world with so many choices and challenges to face, we must draw on our imagination more than ever before. Imagination makes the difference between projects that succeed and those that don’t, and is the key ingredient that transforms an idea from interesting into world-changing. The Imagination Gap helps leaders in every sector more effectively use and apply their imaginations to explore new, creative, and innovative approaches to survive and thrive. The book features dozens of in-depth interviews and examples from a range of industries and settings including Broadway, comedy, marketing, nonprofits, politics, Silicon Valley, and more. It also includes specific, actionable guidance and steps to follow to stop thinking the way you “should” and start making extraordinary things happen.

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Learn how cannabis can help spark your creativity! Cannabis has long been used and revered for its many benefits, from its widely acknowledged medical applications to its commonly accepted ability to help people relax. And now, with the list of states and countries legalizing marijuana usage for all purposes growing rapidly, we ve finally reached a tipping point where cannabis is achieving a level of mainstream acceptance and usage, especially among artists. Many established and aspiring artists are looking to cannabis use to aid in their creativity whether that s to expand the imagination, connect disparate ideas, take artistic risks, or myriad other ways to create and generate work. In Cannabis for Creatives, photographer and cannabis advocate Jordana Wright provides what you need to know to take full advantage of cannabis s potential in your creative work. She begins with the basics how cannabis grows, how it is ingested, and the nuances of variety then works through both the history of cannabis usage and all the pertinent details of the plant itself lineage, strains, appearance, flavor, terpenes, and the types of high you can experience. Jordana also discusses the neuroscience of cannabis use, including how it affects the brain and how science measures creativity. Then, Jordana reveals her findings after conducting more than 30 interviews with artists, including photographers, writers, sculptors, painters, actors, comedians, and musicians as she investigates how these artists use cannabis in their work including what strains work best for them and how it has helped them become more creative, increase their artistic output, and have creative breakthroughs. The book also features a series of creative prompts that you can use as guided creative experiences in your own creative work.

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“A beautiful poetic and visual delight” Joseph CoelhoA BEAUTIFULLY EVOCATIVE STORY OF A CHILD'S JOURNEY TO ENGLAND ON BOARD EMPIRE WINDRUSH, FROM AN INTERNATIONALLY CELEBRATED, MULTI-AWARD-WINNING POET AND AN EXTRAORDINARY DEBUT ILLUSTRATOR."you're stepping into historybringing your Caribbean eyeto another horizon"With one last hug, Windrush chid waves goodbye to his Caribbean home and sets sail across the ocean to Britain. In this powerful picture book, full of hope and promise, celebrated poet John Agard and illustrator Sophie Bass movingly evoke the journey made by children and their families as part of the Windrush Generation.PRAISE FOR JOHN AGARD'S WINDRUSH CHILD:Longlisted for the Jhalak Children's & YA Prize 2023Longlisted for the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for IllustrationShortlisted for the Spark! School Book Award 2023Longlisted for the Children’s Literature Festivals Book Awards 2023"A poetic story brought to life by Sophie Bass’s colour-popping illustrations." Daily Mail"A beautiful picture book with gorgeous illustrations ... I couldn't think of a better way for young children to learn about history and understand the world." David Walliams“John Agard’s hopeful poem commemorates a child’s Windrush journey from the Caribbean, and bold and vivid illustrations sing of palm trees and mangos left behind, and new experiences, including pigeons and terraced houses and snow.” ‘One to Watch’, The Sunday Times (Culture)"Debut illustrator Bass’s intricate, colourful, arresting pictures bring out all the resonances of Agard’s spare text in this story of a child, a ship, a journey, and a new life enriched by the loves and memories of the old." Guardian"A stunning picture book ... with the distinctive, vibrant art of Sophie Bass.” The Bookseller"A gorgeous bedtime read that will reward repeat readings, deceptively simple, emotionally deep." Joseph Coelho

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In Our Unions, Our Selves, Anne Zacharias-Walsh provides an in-depth look at the rise of women-only unions in Japan, an organizational analysis of the challenges these new unions face in practice, and a firsthand account of the ambitious, occasionally contentious, and ultimately successful international solidarity project that helped to spark a new feminist labor movement. In the early 1990s, as part of a larger wave of union reform efforts in Japan, women began creating their own women-only labor unions to confront long-standing gender inequality in the workplace and in traditional enterprise unions. These new unions soon discovered that the demand for individual assistance and help at the bargaining table dramatically exceeded the rate at which the unions could recruit and train members to meet that demand. Within just a few years, women-only unions were proving to be both the most effective option women had for addressing problems on the job and in serious danger of dying out because of their inability to grow their organizational capacity. Zacharias-Walsh met up with Japanese women’s unions at a critical moment in their struggle to survive. Recognizing the benefits of a cross-national dialogue, they teamed up to host a multiyear international exchange project that brought together U.S. and Japanese activists and scholars to investigate the links between organizational structure and the day-to-day problems nontraditional unions face, and to develop Japan-specific participatory labor education as a way to organize and empower new generations of members. They also gained valuable insights into the fine art of building and maintaining the kinds of collaborative, cross border relationships that are essential to today’s social justice movements, from global efforts to save the environment to the Fight for $15 and Black Lives Matter.

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A delicious and delightful narrative history of pie in America, from the colonial era through the civil rights movement and beyondFrom the pumpkin pie gracing the Thanksgiving table to the apple pie at the Fourth of July picnic, nearly every American shares a certain nostalgia for a simple circle of crust and filling. But America’s history with pie has not always been so sweet. After all, it was a slice of cherry pie at the Woolworth’s lunch counter on a cool February afternoon that helped to spark the Greensboro sit-ins and ignited a wave of anti-segregation protests across the South during the civil rights movement. Molasses pie, meanwhile, captures the legacies of racial trauma and oppression passed down from America's history of slavery, and Jell-O pie exemplifies the pressures and contradictions of gender roles in an evolving modern society. We all know the warm comfort of the so-called “All-American” apple pie . . . but just how did pie become the symbol of a nation? In Sweet Land of Liberty: A History of America in 11 Pies, food writer Rossi Anastopoulo cracks open our relationship to pie with wit and good humor. For centuries, pie has been a malleable icon, co-opted for new social and political purposes. Here, Anastopoulo traces the pies woven into our history, following the evolution of our country across centuries of innovation and change. With corresponding recipes for each chapter and sidebars of quirky facts throughout, Sweet Land of Liberty is an entertaining, informative, and utterly charming food history for bakers, dessert lovers, and history aficionados alike. Ultimately, the story of pie is the story of America itself, and it’s time to dig in.

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No stranger to heartache, Carole Holiday artfully braids together her story of overwhelming loss with biblical insights and delicious recipes from the little cottage on the lane--the cooking school she once owned. Carole's journey offers hope that after the ravages of grief and despair, God can bring good back to life through faith, food, and fellowship.How do you survive when everything that gave meaning to your life suddenly disappears? Grief can spark the question, God, when will you see me? Carole Holiday has weathered heartbreaking loss and the despair that whispers, "I don't know who I am anymore." Through her trials, including divorce, job loss, and heart surgery, she has learned that deep grief carves space for a deeper ability to love.Readers who have been shredded by suffering, who have lost hope in God or in life being good again will unpack what it means to be made in God's image; learn how to redirect doubts and despair toward a God-filled identity and purpose; understand that loss offers an enormous capacity to feel more deeply; discover that even though rejected by those they most loved, they still matter to God; and be reminded of the truth that sadness and faith are not mutually exclusive. In her unique, lyrical writing style, Carole shares her story of grief and explores biblical teaching that offers a God-given purpose after pain. As an extra dose of comfort, she seasons her story with savory recipes from a cooking school she once owned, where she learned firsthand the healing that takes place around the table. Carole's humor and warm encouragement gently remind readers that God has good for them--even in a season of severe loss.

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The last decade has witnessed the rise of big data in game development as the increasing proliferation of Internet-enabled gaming devices has made it easier than ever before to collect large amounts of player-related data. At the same time, the emergence of new business models and the diversification of the player base have exposed a broader potential audience, which attaches great importance to being able to tailor game experiences to a wide range of preferences and skill levels. This, in turn, has led to a growing interest in data mining techniques, as they offer new opportunities for deriving actionable insights to inform game design, to ensure customer satisfaction, to maximize revenues, and to drive technical innovation. By now, data mining and analytics have become vital components of game development. The amount of work being done in this area nowadays makes this an ideal time to put together a book on this subject.Data Analytics Applications in Gaming and Entertainment seeks to provide a cross section of current data analytics applications in game production. It is intended as a companion for practitioners, academic researchers, and students seeking knowledge on the latest practices in game data mining. The chapters have been chosen in such a way as to cover a wide range of topics and to provide readers with a glimpse at the variety of applications of data mining in gaming. A total of 25 authors from industry and academia have contributed 12 chapters covering topics such as player profiling, approaches for analyzing player communities and their social structures, matchmaking, churn prediction and customer lifetime value estimation, communication of analytical results, and visual approaches to game analytics. This book’s perspectives and concepts will spark heightened interest in game analytics and foment innovative ideas that will advance the exciting field of online gaming and entertainment.

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Property Investing the Wealth Dragon Way Property Entrepreneur explains how anyone can make money from property, regardless of their financial situation. Author Vincent Wong is one of the UK's most dynamic and respected property entrepreneurs, and this book outlines his approach to creating wealth through property investing for both seasoned and aspiring investors. Emphasising the importance of treating property investing as a business, the author shares the wisdom of his first-hand experience and his investment techniques to help you navigate the ever-shifting property market and become a true property entrepreneur. There is more than one way to break into the property game, and it doesn't have to involve saving for one large deposit after another; this book covers tried and tested strategies beyond the traditional approaches to property investing. Whether you're contemplating your first, fifth or fifteenth property, Property Entrepreneur will help to light your entrepreneurial spark and show you how to turn property into profit. Property entrepreneurship is like any other business: if you want to succeed, you must take the time to learn from those who have mastered the best techniques. This book gives you access to the mind, motivations and methods of a top investor to help you start and build your own property business. This book will show you: How to start viewing property investing as a business Why you need to eliminate unproductive habits and attitudes The best ways to maximise profits and create a secure, passive income How to nurture your entrepreneurial spirit and watch your business grow Property investing can look daunting and complex to those without experience. The rules are constantly being rewritten, the goalposts are regularly shifted and the market looks like an unpredictable beast. Property Entrepreneur will challenge your preconceptions, and help you navigate the path to real, lasting wealth.

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Inspired by Ayn Rand's characters in Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, penetrating profiles of both the innovators who move our world forward and those who seek to destroy the achievement of others John Galt, the fictional character from Ayn Rand's bestselling novel, Atlas Shrugged, has come to embody the individualist capitalist who acts in his own enlightened self interest, and in doing so lifts the world around him. Some of today's most successful CEOs, journalists, sports figures, actors, and thinkers have led their lives according to Galt's (i.e., Rand's) philosophy. Now, in I Am John Galt, these inspiring stories are gathered with the keen insight and analysis of well-known market commentator Donald Luskin and business writer Andrew Greta. Filled with exclusive interviews, profiles, and analyses of leading financial, business, and artistic stars who have based their lives, and careers, on the philosophy of the perennially popular Ayn Rand, this book both inspires and enlightens. On the other side are Rand's arch villains?the power-seekers, parasites, and lunatics who would destroy that which the creators and builders make. Who are today's anti-heroes, fighting the creativity of the innovators? Contains insightful interviews, profiles, and analyses of the individuals who have lived by a Randian code to achieve greatness for themselves and others Offers a probing analysis of those who seek to destroy or undo the achievements of others?from academics, pundits, and government bureaucrats to fraudsters who have wreaked havoc on our world Engaging and entertaining, I Am John Galt examines how the inspiration that is Galt thrives more than 50 years after publication of Atlas Shrugged. It will spark the interest of Ayn Rand fans everywhere, as well as those seeking a way to succeed in today's turbulent and confusing times.

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Provides both fundamentals and new and emerging applications Advanced Drug Delivery brings readers fully up to date with the state of the science, presenting the basics, formulation strategies, and therapeutic applications of advanced drug delivery. The book demonstrates how core concepts of pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, and molecular biology can be combined and applied in order to spark novel ideas to design and develop advanced drug delivery systems for the treatment of a broad range of human diseases. Advanced Drug Delivery features contributions from an international team of pharmaceutical scientists. Chapters reflect a thorough review and analysis of the literature as well as the authors' firsthand experience developing drug delivery systems. The book is divided into four parts: Part I, Introduction and Basics of Advanced Drug Delivery, explores physiological barriers, stability, transporters, and biomaterials in drug delivery Part II, Strategies for Advanced Drug Delivery, offers tested and proven strategies for advanced delivery of both small molecules and macromolecules Part III, Translational Research of Advanced Drug Delivery, focuses on regulatory considerations and translational applications of advanced drug delivery systems for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, ophthalmic diseases, and brain diseases Part IV, Future Applications of Advanced Drug Delivery in Emerging Research Areas, examines stem cell research, cell-based therapeutics, tissue engineering, and molecular imaging Each chapter provides objectives and assessment questions to help readers grasp key concepts and assess their knowledge as they progress through the book. Advanced Drug Delivery is recommended for graduates and upper-level undergraduates in the pharmaceutical sciences who need a solid foundation in the basics. It is also recommended for pharmaceutical professionals who want to take advantage of new and emerging applications in advanced drug delivery systems.

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Discover the life, work, and magic of Pamela Colman Smith, the visionary artist behind the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck, the most popular and renowned divination deck in the world. With rich imagery, stunning colors, and an iconic place in the realm of divination, the Rider-Waite Tarot is perhaps the best known deck in the world. Seasoned readers and fledgling diviners alike turn to these cards in search of inspiration, understanding, and even a hint at the future. But the story of their origin is less well known, with their brilliant creator's name stripped away from them for decades. Now, for the first time, mystics, art-lovers, and fortune-tellers will uncover the magical story of Pamela Coleman Smith, rendered in full-color illustrations by artist Cat Willett, and inspired by the work of Pamela herself. From a childhood spent between the United Kingdom and Jamaica, to early artistic success in New York, to involvement in the secret occult society Order of the Golden Dawn, Pamela -- or Pixie, as she was known to many -- had a life full of enchanted inspiration and profound hardship. Through it all, her art acted as a guiding force, culminating in her custom illustrations for the deck that would become the Rider-Waite Tarot. Though she received little money and almost no credit for her contributions to the magical realm in her lifetime, Pixie's impact on tarot, divination, and the worlds of mysticism and the arts have reverberated for nearly 150 years, and her story serves as an enchanted spark. Depicted in whimsical, full-color detail, with interludes tying Pamela to the resurgence of modern magic and the world of tarot throughout, this singular work is a must-read for witches, creatives, and activists.

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A BESTSELLING NOVEL AND MAJOR FILM STARRING MERYL STREEP AND JACK NICHOLSON'I have bought more copies of this book to give to people, in a frenzy of enthusiasm, than any other . . . Heartburn is the perfect, bittersweet, sobbingly funny, all-too-true confessional novel' NIGELLA LAWSON'A perfect example of Ephron's gift for turning tragedy into comedy' PAULA HAWKINS, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN'She is wit without cynicism, the ultimate romantic' GAIL COLLINS, NEW YORK TIMESSeven months into her pregnancy, Rachel discovers that her husband is in love with another woman. The fact that this woman has a 'neck as long as an arm and a nose as long as a thumb' is no consolation. Food sometimes is, though, since Rachel is a cookery writer, and between trying to win Mark back and wishing him dead, she offers us some of her favourite recipes. Heartburn is a roller coaster of love, betrayal, loss and most satisfyingly revenge.This is Nora Ephron's (screenwriter of When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle) roman à clef: 'I always thought during the pain of the marriage that one day it would make a funny book,' she once said - And it is!Books included in the VMC fortieth anniversary series include: Frost in May by Antonia White; The Collected Stories of Grace Paley; Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault; The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter; The Weather in the Streets by Rosamond Lehmann; Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith; The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West; Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston; Heartburn by Nora Ephron; The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy; Memento Mori by Muriel Spark; A View of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor; and Faces in the Water by Janet Frame

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This balanced examination of ethical and legal principles and issues provides vital information for radiography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and radiation professionals. By discussing the foundations of ethics for technologists, then entering into a discussion of applicable law, Ethical and Legal Issues for Imaging Professionals, 2nd Edition provides an approach that leads to a more successful style of personal risk management. With each chapter divided into two sections of ethical issues and legal issues, the content is easy to read and understand. Plus, learning activities and current event discussions help the readers learn and remember information so they can use it in real life. Imaging Scenarios spark classroom discussion and encourage students to apply what they have learned and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Review Questions at the end of each chapter allow students to test their retention of chapter content. Critical Thinking Questions and Activities helps students examine their personal responses to various situations and encourages them to expand on their knowledge of policies and procedures. Professional Profiles present a brief glimpse into how ethics and law impact the daily lives of professional imaging technologists. Margin Definitions and Glossary provide an easily accessible resource to understanding terminology. Learning Objectives and Chapter Outline focus the student on the most important content. Discussion of limited radiographers, health care literacy, HIPAA, employee rights, whistle blowing, and relevant new technologies include the most current information available to keep readers up-to-date on topics in their field. More relevant and up-to-date case studies keep readers current on situations they may face in the field. Expanded content on the history of ethics gives users a better understanding of ethics. Updated legal terminology provides the most current information on the ever-changing world of law. Bulleted key point summaries highlight important information from each chapter for easy review.

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A fast-paced, character-filled history that brings the unique American saga to life for readers of all ages “This is a little history with a big heart, meant to be savored more than studied, read out loud like poetry, or perhaps sung like a hymn.”—Joseph J. Ellis, author of Founding Brothers “Davidson has written a work that should lead readers to reflect anew on America’s past and present. . . . We can all use not just a good refresher course on American history, but also some good historical thinking on how we might better realize freedom, equality, and E pluribus unum.“—Daily Beast How did a land and people of such immense diversity come together under a banner of freedom and equality to form one of the most remarkable nations in the world? Everyone from young adults to grandparents will be fascinated by the answers uncovered in James West Davidson’s vividly told A Little History of the United States. In 300 fast-moving pages, Davidson guides his readers through 500 years, from the first contact between the two halves of the world to the rise of America as a superpower in an era of atomic perils and diminishing resources. In short, vivid chapters the book brings to life hundreds of individuals whose stories are part of the larger American story. Pilgrim William Bradford stumbles into an Indian deer trap on his first day in America; Harriet Tubman lets loose a pair of chickens to divert attention from escaping slaves; the toddler Andrew Carnegie, later an ambitious industrial magnate, gobbles his oatmeal with a spoon in each hand. Such stories are riveting in themselves, but they also spark larger questions to ponder about freedom, equality, and unity in the context of a nation that is, and always has been, remarkably divided and diverse.

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“When it comes to living, there’s no getting out alive. But books can help us survive, so to speak, by passing on what is most important about being human before we perish. In The Existentialist’s Survival Guide, Marino has produced an honest and moving book of self-help for readers generally disposed to loathe the genre.” —The Wall Street JournalSophisticated self-help for the 21st century—when every crisis feels like an existential crisisSoren Kierkegaard, Frederick Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and other towering figures of existentialism grasped that human beings are, at heart, moody creatures, susceptible to an array of psychological setbacks, crises of faith, flights of fancy, and other emotional ups and downs. Rather than understanding moods—good and bad alike—as afflictions to be treated with pharmaceuticals, this swashbuckling group of thinkers generally known as existentialists believed that such feelings not only offer enduring lessons about living a life of integrity, but also help us discern an inner spark that can inspire spiritual development and personal transformation. To listen to Kierkegaard and company, how we grapple with these feelings shapes who we are, how we act, and, ultimately, the kind of lives we lead. In The Existentialist's Survival Guide, Gordon Marino, director of the Hong Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf College and boxing correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, recasts the practical takeaways existentialism offers for the twenty-first century. From negotiating angst, depression, despair, and death to practicing faith, morality, and love, Marino dispenses wisdom on how to face existence head-on while keeping our hearts intact, especially when the universe feels like it’s working against us and nothing seems to matter. What emerges are life-altering and, in some cases, lifesaving epiphanies—existential prescriptions for living with integrity, courage, and authenticity in an increasingly chaotic, uncertain, and inauthentic age.

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A Fun and Engaging Box Set of Four Beautiful Children’s Picture Books from Sabrina Hahn Spark your child’s creativity and curiosity with these delightfully curated books featuring some of the world’s most iconic paintings. In ABCs of Art, your child will discover artwork by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Mary Cassatt, and many others as they learn the alphabet, from A to Z. Help them locate the earring in Vermeer's Girl with the Pearl Earring, teach them different colors while examining Monet's Water Lilies, and count the pieces of fruit in Cezanne's The Basket of Apples. In 123s of Art, your child will engage with artwork by Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, Maria Sibylla Merian, and many others as they learn to count from 1 to 20. Help them count the flower petals in Gauguin’s Still Life with Teapot and Fruit, teach them different colors while examining Redon's Butterflies, and discuss the shapes used in Sarah Ann Wilson’s Album Quilt. In Animals in Art, your child will identify the animals featured in paintings such as Odilon Redon's Butterflies, Henriette Ronner-Knip's The Cat at Play, and Franz Marc's Blue Horse I.. They will learn about animal noises, habitats, and behaviors via the poetry and interactive questions included. In Bedtime with Art, your child's creativity will be nurtured as they get ready for bed with paints such as Claude Monet's Stacks of Wheat, George Stubbs's Sleeping Leopard, and Henri Rousseau's The Sleeping Gypsy. With a calming rhyming scheme and peaceful colors, this book will inspire your budding art lovers' imagination and dreams as they get ready to drift to sleep. With a fun rhyming scheme and large, colorful text, Sabrina Hahn's collection will inspire your budding art lovers as they learn about the alphabet, numbers, animals, seasons, and new words through interactive questions and playful poems.

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The Photographs in Silent Stages are platforms specifically built as settings for narratives; they are akin to theatrical stages or movie sets. At the same time, they are artifacts from various stages of my life, visual traces of the sedimentary layers that have quietly accumulated over time, each atop its predecessors. As stage or movie settings, these images aim to spark viewers’ imagination, to spur them to conjure up a story, a narrative laced with mystery and alienation. That’s why I make the lighting dramatic, why I shoot in black and white, why some elements may be too dark and/or fuzzy to see clearly. I generally start with the background, searching the streets for a suitably dramatic setting. Then I wait for something to happen, perhaps for players to enter or exit. Sometimes I arrive too late; the last player has exited. As artifacts from my own story, the images give voice and body to times, experiences and feelings I hardly knew subsisted within me. It was only years after the project was undertaken that I began to understand how the choices I make – of subjects, settings, lighting, composition – reflect the particularities of my life and sensibility. In this sense, these images are relics from a personal archeological dig, a visual memoir of sorts -- an unsurprising undertaking perhaps for a septuagenarian. All of the images were shot over the past five years, either in or around New York or Paris. This reflects the dual nature of my life and culture, split between my native home and my adopted one. I have spent half of my adult life in France and identify as both French and American. My objective is not to highlight the Franco-American split but rather to demonstrate the parallels and how they compose into a single identity.

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Everyone has imagination. Imagination helps us see new possibilities for the future, navigate in times of uncertainty, and spark new ideas. But most of us do not know how to use imagination to its fullest potential or how to harness the power of imagination to overcome obstacles. The result: our most important ideas and biggest ambitions never turn in to reality. This is The Imagination Gap. In this timely new book, Brian Reich shows us that imagination is the greatest natural resource available to humans and one of the most powerful forces in shaping behavior to make real change. He explains how the most creative thinkers, forward-looking entrepreneurs, and influential change agents, in every sector of our society, harness the power of their imaginations to achieve their goals, and motivate others to take action. He outlines how the strongest leaders show others how to use their imaginations to expand their individual and collective potential. In a rapidly changing world with so many choices and challenges to face, we must draw on our imagination more than ever before. Imagination makes the difference between projects that succeed and those that don’t, and is the key ingredient that transforms an idea from interesting into world-changing. The Imagination Gap helps leaders in every sector more effectively use and apply their imaginations to explore new, creative, and innovative approaches to survive and thrive. The book features dozens of in-depth interviews and examples from a range of industries and settings including Broadway, comedy, marketing, nonprofits, politics, Silicon Valley, and more. It also includes specific, actionable guidance and steps to follow to stop thinking the way you “should” and start making extraordinary things happen.

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From Cutie Honey and Sailor Moon to Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, the worlds of Japanese anime and manga teem with prepubescent girls toting deadly weapons. Sometimes overtly sexual, always intensely cute, the beautiful fighting girl has been both hailed as a feminist icon and condemned as a symptom of the objectification of young women in Japanese society. In Beautiful Fighting Girl, Saito Tamaki offers a far more sophisticated and convincing interpretation of this alluring and capable figure. For Saito, the beautiful fighting girl is a complex sexual fantasy that paradoxically lends reality to the fictional spaces she inhabits. As an object of desire for male otaku (obsessive fans of anime and manga), she saturates these worlds with meaning even as her fictional status demands her ceaseless proliferation and reproduction. Rejecting simplistic moralizing, Saito understands the otaku’s ability to eroticize and even fall in love with the beautiful fighting girl not as a sign of immaturity or maladaptation but as a result of a heightened sensitivity to the multiple layers of mediation and fictional context that constitute life in our hypermediated world—a logical outcome of the media they consume. Featuring extensive interviews with Japanese and American otaku, a comprehensive genealogy of the beautiful fighting girl, and an analysis of the American outsider artist Henry Darger, whose baroque imagination Saito sees as an important antecedent of otaku culture, Beautiful Fighting Girl was hugely influential when first published in Japan, and it remains a key text in the study of manga, anime, and otaku culture. Now available in English for the first time, this book will spark new debates about the role played by desire in the production and consumption of popular culture.

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‘A fresh, fun, festive read that will stay with me for a long time. This is a definite Christmas must read!’ Jules Wake, author of the bestselling The Spark Two people. One month to fall in love. ‘The perfect Christmas story, full of heart and hope’ Sandy Barker Belle Wilde loves December. Yes, she’s just lost her job and Christmas is not a good time to find yourself ‘financially challenged’. And yes, her parents are still going on about the fact that she really should have it all together by now. But Belle believes that in December, magic can happen. Rory Walters hates December. Whilst it looks like his life is together, he’s still reeling from a winter’s night five years ago when his life changed forever. Now back at home, he’s certain that this will be yet another Christmas to endure rather than enjoy. But as midnight on December 31st draws closer, Belle and Rory’s time together is coming to an end. With a little help from a Christmas miracle could Belle find the one thing she really wants underneath the mistletoe? Readers can’t get enough of this gorgeous read: ‘Absolutely delightful… I read it in one sitting’ Lisa ‘Has me counting down to Christmas a bit earlier than usual this year…charming’ Jennifer ‘Worth far more than five stars and a perfect festive read’ Nicola ‘A slow burn romance, with just the right amount of holiday cheer thrown in’ Charlene ‘Oh wow!!!! A beautiful, heartfelt read’ Oriana ‘Loving this book! …already has my heart’ Amina ‘Christmas is coming early!! The happily ever after that is served is magical’ Beata ‘I laughed and I cried and what more could I ask for than that’ Emily ‘A well written, slow burn romance … Perfect for every moment of the year!’ Marloes

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'Perfect, feel-good fiction' Sarah Morgan on The Lemon SistersIf you love Holly Martin, Jill Mansell and Debbie Macomber, you'll LOVE Jill Shalvis and her irresistible trademark gift for humour, warmth and romance!Jill's books are guaranteed to make you smile:'You can't go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book' 5* reader review'A heartwarming read with all the feels' 5* reader review'Another winner... I cannot wait for more' 5* reader review'A riveting and comforting romance' 5* reader reviewSometimes the life you want is closer than you think. Piper Manning's about as tough as they come, she's had to be. She raised her siblings and thankfully they've flown the nest. All she has to do now is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she's free. When a huge storm hits, she runs into a tall, dark and brooding stranger, Camden Reid. The spark between them shocks her. Surprising her further, is the return of her sister and brother, each keeping their own secrets. It would be smart for Piper to ignore them all but Cam unleashes emotions deep inside her that she can't deny. And her siblings...well, they need each other. Only when the secrets come out, it changes everything Piper thinks she knows about her family, herself...and Cam. With the chance of the new life she craves within her grasp, can she find a way to let go and embrace it?Want more warm, funny romance? Check out the Heartbreaker Bay novels starting with Sweet Little Lies, visit stunning Wildstone, gorgeous Cedar Ridge, spellbinding Lucky Harbor or experience some Animal Magnetism in Sunshine, Idaho in Jill's other unforgettable series.

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From New York Times bestselling author Tasha Alexander comes a stunning novel of historical suspense set in Victorian England, meticulously researched and with a twisty plot that involves stolen antiquities, betrayal, and murderLady Emily's first mystery . . .For Emily, accepting the proposal of Philip, the Viscount Ashton, was just an easy way to escape her stifling home life and overbearing mother. So when her new husband dies on safari soon after the wedding, she feels little grief. After all, she barely knew the man. Now, nearly two years later, she discovers that Philip was a far different man from the one she had married so cavalierly. His journals reveal him to have been a gentleman scholar and antiquities collector who, to her surprise, was deeply in love with his wife. Emily becomes fascinated with this new image of her dead husband and immerses herself in his intellectual pursuits, studying Greek and spending time in the quiet corridors of the British Museum.But there, amid priceless ancient statues, she uncovers a dark, dangerous secret involving stolen artifacts from the Greco-Roman galleries - and as she sets out to solve the crime she discovers even more surprises about the husband she never knew . . .Praise for Tasha Alexander'This engaging, witty mix of Victorian cozy and suspense thriller draws its dramatic spark from the endearingly headstrong heroine's growth in life and love. A memorable debut' Booklist'Enchanting... Alexander keeps readers guessing until the very end' Publishers Weekly'Tasha Alexander is one to watch - and read... despite her cliffhanger climaxes and witty repartee, there's a depth of sensitivity that sets her apart' The Huffington Post'Fans of Anne Perry and Elizabeth Peters will welcome this debut novel' The Denver Post

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Now a major DisneyPlus Hotstar Special - THE EMPIRE is streaming nowThe second enthralling installment in Alex Rutherford's Empire of the Moghul series.'A totally absorbing narrative filled with authentic historical characters and sweeping action set in an age of horrifying but magnificent savagery. The writing is as compelling as the events described and kept me eagerly leaping from one page to the next' Wilbur Smith1530, Agra, Northern India. Humayun, the newly-crowned second Moghul Emperor, is a fortunate man. His father, Babur, has bequeathed him wealth, glory and an empire which stretches a thousand miles south from the Khyber pass; he must now build on his legacy, and make the Moghuls worthy of their forebear, Tamburlaine. But, unbeknownst to him, Humayun is already in grave danger. His half-brothers are plotting against him; they doubt that he has the strength, the will, the brutality needed to command the Moghul armies and lead them to still-greater glories. Perhaps they are right. Soon Humayun will be locked in a terrible battle: not only for his crown, not only for his life, but for the existence of the very empire itself.'Rutherford's glorious, broad-sweeping adventure in the wild lands of the Moghul sees the start of a wonderful series...In Babur, he has found a real-life hero, with all the flaws, mistakes and misadventures that spark true heroism... Breathtaking stuff' Manda Scott'Alex Rutherford has set the bar high for his sequels' Daily Mail'Alex Rutherford brings the period and the history of the region alive. The characters are dynamic, and the deadly regional politics of alliances and treaties are reflected by the internal tensions at court' US Historical Novel Society

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As schools reopen their doors and students return to the classroom, what will the “new normal” of special education look like? The pandemic exposed educational inequities and areas of urgent need—and now, schools have a unique opportunity to press pause and reimagine their practices. This book helps K–12 school leaders and educators take the lessons of the COVID-19 era and turn them into action: by closely examining what worked during distance learning, letting go of practices that keep some students struggling, and planning new routines and environments that meet the needs of every learner.A visionary call to action from inclusion experts Jenna Mancini Rufo and Julie Causton, Reimagining Special Education guides readers in creating more equitable schools and services, through practical strategies teachers can use right away and thought-provoking, big-picture questions for administrators to tackle. Readers will explore how inclusive educational practices can address each student’s unique needs as schools reopen and bridge learning gaps for students who struggle. Throughout the book, vignettes and anecdotes spark lightbulb moments for educators and show what recommended practices look like in real classrooms.Essential reading for administrators, classroom teachers, and other education professionals, this is the forward-thinking guide every school needs to reimagine the possibilities for special education, support authentic inclusion, and help learners with and without disabilities thrive in a changing world.DISCOVER HOW TO: Re-story students by focusing on their gifts and strengths rather than their deficits Redesign instruction and assessment to be more flexible and better meet students’ unique needs Restructure intervention frameworks to move away from sorting and labeling students and toward a flexible model that provides access to all Revitalize co-teaching with tools and strategies for serving students with and without disabilities Realign service delivery through inclusion facilitation and consultative supports Rethink equity by creating a culture of belonging, dismantling exclusionary programs, and tackling individual and institutional biases

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“River Mumma is a love letter to culture, home, and coming of age—and will spark important, relevant book club conversations, too.” —Marissa Stapley, New York Times bestselling author of Lucky Issa Rae’s Insecure with a magical realist spin: River Mumma is an exhilarating contemporary fantasy novel about a young Black woman who navigates her quarter-life-crisis while embarking on a mythical quest through the streets of Toronto.Alicia has been out of grad school for months. She has no career prospects and lives with her mom, who won’t stop texting her macabre news stories and reminders to pick up items from the grocery store.Then, one evening, the Jamaican water deity, River Mumma, appears to Alicia, telling her that she has twenty-four hours to scour the city for her missing comb.Alicia doesn’t understand why River Mumma would choose her. She can’t remember all the legends her relatives told her, unlike her retail co-worker Heaven, who can reel off Jamaican folklore by heart. She doesn’t know if her childhood visions have returned, or why she feels a strange connection to her other co-worker Mars. But when the trio are chased down by malevolent spirits called duppies, they realize their tenuous bonds to each other may be their only lifelines. With the clock ticking, Alicia’s quest through the city broadens into a journey through time—to find herself and what the river carries.Energetic and invigorating, River Mumma is a vibrant exploration of diasporic community and ancestral ties, and a homage to Jamaican storytelling by one of the most invigorating voices in today’s literature.“This quirky, fizzy, charming debut surprises and amuses. Reid-Benta writes beautifully, drawing on Caribbean mythologies to create a fast paced and entertaining tale. It's rare to find a novel written with such humour and heart.” —T. L. Huchu, USA Today Bestselling author of The Library of the Dead

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DESCRIPTION The modern "data center" is a complex arena, with physical and virtual servers, multiple OS environments, and complex networking that frequently spans multiple locations. The need to simplify has never been greater. Mesos, an innovative open-source cluster management platform, transforms the whole data center into a single pool of compute, memory, and storage resources that can be allocated, automated, and scaled as if working with a single super-computer. Mesos is an ideal environment for deploying containerized applications at scale, and it's generating a huge buzz in the big data world as a saner environment for running Spark and Hadoop. Mesos in Action introduces the Apache Mesos cluster manager and the concept of application-centric infrastructure. It guides readers from their first steps in deploying a highly-available Mesos cluster through deploying applications in production and writing native Mesos frameworks. It will show how to scale to thousands of nodes, while providing resource isolation between processes using Linux and Docker containers. It contains practical techniques for deploying applications using popular key frameworks, including Marathon, Chronos, and Aurora. Along the way, the book dives into Mesos internals, including fault tolerance, slave attributes, and resource scheduling and Mesos administration, including logging, monitoring, framework authorization, and slave recovery. KEY FEATURES  Gets readers up and running quickly  Covers need to know key concepts  Combines community knowledge with real-world experience AUDIENCE Readers should be familiar with the core ideas of data center administration, including networking, virtualization, and application deployment on Linux systems. The Python-based code examples should be clear to readers using Mesos bindings for other popular languages, including C++, Go, and Scala. ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY Apache Mesos is clustering software that allows IT professionals to abstract datacenter resources – CPU, memory, and storage – away from physical and virtual infrastructure and into a Mesos cluster. This allows software developers to write applications that use entire data centers as if they were a single, large computer.

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Since its creation in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has become the most heavily visited of all our national parks, with yearly visitation sometimes surpassing 10 million people. As the national park system celebrated its centennial in 2016, Ben Anderson decided to explore and closely observe, across the seasons, as much of the nation’s most popular national park as practicable during the year. On the three or four hikes he took each month, he revisited a number of trails familiar to him from previous excursions as a Smokies backcountry volunteer for more than 20 years. To many, the Smokies are among the loveliest and most interesting mountains anywhere, favored by a remarkable biodiversity. Anderson offers observations on natural and human history, mountain culture, geography, geology, flora and fauna. The book also deftly blends the personal with the universal in a compelling mix of entries from the backcountry. Although this book can be used as a helpful trail guide, it also provides a fresh look and an engaging narrative about our most heavily visited national park through the eyes and ears of a lifelong devotee. Ben Anderson was media relations director at Warren Wilson College from 1997 to 2015. Before that he was assistant professor of mass communications at Florida Southern College. He worked on the staffs of The Asheville Times, the Waynesville Mountaineer, Greensboro News & Record, Athens Banner-Herald, Atlanta Journal, and Athens Daily News. He has been a backcountry volunteer for Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 20 years. He now does marketing and public relations work for the Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation in Asheville. A native of Atlanta, he lives in Asheville, NC. "For those who want a more strenuous experience, this book will probably spark the desire to lace up the hiking boots and head deep into the backcountry. At the very least, the book should provide a deeper appreciation for the exceptional beauty and biodiversity in this distinctive national treasure." —WNC Woman

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Discover your next read with this carefully curated list from We Need Diverse Books. Check out 100 must-read books to try before you're 12! Packed with reviews, recommendations, and exclusive author interviews, The Reading Adventure: 100 Books To Check Out Before You're 12 will inspire young readers to discover a diverse range of books beyond the curriculum. From mystery to autobiography, the book is organised by genre, so you can jump to the section that interests you the most. Each entry has a key theme box so you can immediately see if the book is something you'll enjoy. Helpful signposts lead readers to another book the author thinks they'll enjoy. Hidden gems, award-winners, classics, and current bestsellers are brought to life by vibrant illustrations. There's truly something for everyone!Vibrant and educational, you can explore:- 15 exclusive author interviews, including Jason Reynolds, Meg Medina and Linda Sue Park.- Organized by genre and theme, so the reader can find a book based on their interests.- Discover 100 book recommendations aimed at 7-12 year olds with vibrant and fun illustrations.- Running categories organized by interest and theme.- Endmatter includes writing activities, and an index.- Bold original illustrations by a range of artists bring the books to life.Developed in collaboration with We Need Diverse Books - a non-profit with a mission to create a world where everyone can find themselves in the pages of a book - young readers can explore a variety of awe-inspiring and thought-provoking books, with titles including: High Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson, A Kind of Spark, by Elle McNicoll, From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, Front Desk by Kelly Yang, and many more. Ideal for caregivers and gift givers of both voracious and reluctant readers within the 7-12 age group, as well as caregivers of neurodivergent children, children with a disability, and children of color seeking greater representation in literature.

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The number one Wall Street Journal Business Book Bestseller and Top 10 New York Times Bestseller‘A must-read for anyone who wants to start a business, grow a business, or be inspired by those who do’ – Adam Grant, author of Originals Based on the highly acclaimed NPR podcast, How I Built This with Guy Raz, his book offers priceless insights and inspiration from the world’s top entrepreneurs on how to start, launch and build a successful venture. Great ideas often come from a simple spark: a football player on the New Zealand national team notices all the unused wool his country produces and figures out a way to turn it into shoes (Allbirds). A former Buddhist monk decides the very best way to spread his mindfulness teachings is by launching an app (Headspace). A sandwich cart vendor finds a way to reuse leftover pita bread and turns it into a multimillion-dollar business (Stacy’s Pita Chips). Award-winning podcast creator Guy Raz has interviewed more than 200 highly successful innovators from across the world, from the founders of Five Guys, Airbnb and Bumble to James Dyson and Reed Hastings of Netflix, to uncover amazing true stories like these. In How I Built This, he shares tips for every entrepreneur’s journey: from the early days of formulating your idea, to raising money and recruiting employees, to finding your market and, finally, to paying yourself a real salary. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of starting their own business or wondered how trail-blazing go-getters made their own dreams a reality. ‘These stories of founders and their companies are told with the same energy and openness it takes to be an entrepreneur’ – Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup ‘Guy Raz is supremely himself in this guide for aspiring entrepreneurs: brilliantly perceptive, incessantly curious, infectiously energetic and above all, a master storyteller’ – Angela Duckworth, author of Grit

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¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life celebrates the power of adding more green to your life with 30 simple and budget-friendly gardening projects that promote well-being through plants. From Puerto Rican author and gardening celebrity, Perla Sofía Curbelo Santiago of Agrochic.com, a Spanish-language gardening lifestyle platform, comes this guide to forming a lifelong love of nature, plants, and gardening. Verdura means “greenery” in Spanish, but also refers to any edible plant from the garden. Throughout this book, verdura is used as both a description and an aspiration—it’s all about adding more verdura to your daily life! Perfect for beginners and expert gardeners alike, turning the practice of tending plants into a healthy lifestyle has never been easier. It takes many repetitions to form a habit, and the goal is to use the 30 projects found here to transform the initial spark of joy plants create into a healthy habit that enhances your life in many ways. Indoor and outdoor projects are included, many of which are perfect for small spaces and urban environments. In addition to offering plant-related wellness tips, personal stories of her own garden evolution, and advice on how tending plants can improve both physical and mental health, Perla offers clear step-by-step guidance on project creation. Some of the projects you’ll find inside include: Creating a container planting that appeals to a 13-year-old version of yourself Making a meditation garden or a private healing nook Planting a barefoot garden Performing a quick and easy garden makeover Compiling a garden-tainment kit Upcycling common discards to create a propagation station, a swinging planter, and a birdbath Organizing your garden legacy using a basic guide Also included are alternative plant charts if you’re the kind of gardener who likes lots of plant choices, and section openers that offer a small glimpse of gardening life on the island of Puerto Rico.Green-up your life to reduce stress and add joy with help from ¡Verdura!

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Drawing explicit lines, across time and a broad spectrum of violent acts, to provide the definitive field guide for understanding and opposing white supremacy in America Hate, racial violence, exclusion, and racist laws receive breathless media coverage, but such attention focuses on distinct events that gain our attention for twenty-four hours. The events are presented as episodic one-offs, unfortunate but uncanny exceptions perpetrated by lone wolves, extremists, or individuals suffering from mental illness—and then the news cycle moves on. If we turn to scholars and historians for background and answers, we often find their knowledge siloed in distinct academic subfields, rarely connecting current events with legal histories, nativist insurgencies, or centuries of misogynist, anti-Black, anti-Latino, anti-Asian, and xenophobic violence. But recent hateful actions are deeply connected to the past—joined not only by common perpetrators, but by the vast complex of systems, histories, ideologies, and personal beliefs that comprise white supremacy in the United States. Gathering together a cohort of researchers and writers, A Field Guide to White Supremacy provides much-needed connections between violence present and past. This book illuminates the career of white supremacist and patriarchal violence in the United States, ranging across time and impacted groups in order to provide a working volume for those who wish to recognize, understand, name, and oppose that violence. The Field Guide is meant as an urgent resource for journalists, activists, policymakers, and citizens, illuminating common threads in white supremacist actions at every scale, from hate crimes and mass attacks to policy and law. Covering immigration, antisemitism, gendered violence, lynching, and organized domestic terrorism, the authors reveal white supremacy as a motivating force in manifold parts of American life. The book also offers a sampling of some of the most recent scholarship in this area in order to spark broader conversations between journalists and their readers, teachers and their students, and activists and their communities. A Field Guide to White Supremacy will be an indispensable resource in paving the way for politics of alliance in resistance and renewal.

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The creative programs shared in this book vividly demonstrate the ways in which library programming can make communities stronger and more resilient by creating lifelong learners, fostering conversation, and forging connections. From the moment the pandemic took hold in Spring 2020, libraries and library workers have demonstrated their fortitude and flexibility by adapting to physical closures, social distancing guidelines, and a host of other challenges. Despite the obstacles, they've been able to stay connected to their communities-and helped connect the people in their communities to each other, as well as to the information and services they need and enjoy. Ostman and ALA's Public Programs Office (PPO) here present a handpicked cross-section of successful programs, most of them virtual, from a range of different libraries. Featuring events designed to support learning, spark conversation, create connection, or simply entertain, the ideas here will inspire programming staff to try similar offerings at their own libraries. Showcasing innovation in action as well as lessons learned, programs include COVID-19 Misinformation Challenge, featuring an email quiz, to encourage participants to separate fact from fiction; weekly virtual storytimes; community cooking demonstrations via Zoom; an online grocery store tour, complete with tips about shopping healthy on a budget; a virtual beer tasting that boasted 80 attendees; socially distanced "creativity crates" for summer reading; an online Minecraft club for kids ages 6 and up; a Zoom presentation about grieving and funerals during COVID, featuring the director of a local funeral home; Art Talk Tuesday, a one-hour, docent-led program; a virtual lecture on the history of witchcraft, presented by a public library in partnership with a university rare book room, that drew thousands of viewers; "knitting for knewbies" kits for curbside pickup; Songs from the Stacks, an ongoing virtual concert series in the style of NPR's "Tiny Desk"; and a pink supermoon viewing party that included people howling at the moon together from their homes on Facebook Live.

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Refreshed, updated, and expanded. Do More Faster provides time-tested advice, tips, and experiences by founders and mentors of Techstars to help entrepreneurs succeed! David Cohen and Brad Feld, leading advocates for entrepreneurs and startups, team up to provide first-time entrepreneurs with the tools, insights, and experiences to help them do more faster. The authors share their decades of experience working with thousands of startup founders and have enlisted the advice of dozens of Techstars startup founders and mentors. Contributors include Tim Ferriss, Eric Ries, Matt Mullenweg (WordPress), Isaac Saldana (SendGrid), and other successful entrepreneurs. Co-founders of Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, Cohen and Feld recognize the daunting task of creating a sustainable business and have seen first-hand the common mistakes first-time entrepreneurs make over and over. The authors take the complexity and uncertainty of starting a business and distill the critical factors into seven themes: Ideas and Vision, People, Working Effectively, Product, Fundraising, Legal and Structure, and Work and Life Harmony. They share their hard-won successes, failures, and advice for anyone with an idea who wants to create a business. Throughout the book crucial questions are raised and addressed from multiple perspectives. ● How important is it to have an original idea? ● How is founder conflict handled? ● What are the tradeoffs between bootstrapping and financing? Make-or-break decisions like company structure, hiring, and legal consequences are presented in an easy-to-understand style. Do More Faster will elevate your thinking on a range of important topics, help you avoid costly mistakes, and provide you with a resource to consult as you go from idea to successful business. If you have the drive and desire to start a business, need to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in your community, or want to spark greater innovation in your organization—don’t go it alone. Use the advice, tips, and tactics found throughout Do More Faster to give yourself the best chance of succeeding.

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This is a must-have for anyone interested in achieving better performance through car modification!So you want to turn your Yugo into a Viper? Sorry--you need a certified magician. But if you want to turn your sedate sedan into a mean machine or your used car lot deal into a powerful, purring set of wheels, you’ve come to the right place. Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies will get you turbo-charged up about modifying your car and guide you smoothly through: Choosing a car to mod Considering warranties, legal, and safety issues Hacking the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to adjust performance-enhancing factors like fuel injection, firing the spark plugs, controlling the cooling fan, and more Replacing your ECU with a plug and play system such as the APEXi Power FC or the AEM EMS system Putting on the brakes (the faster you go, the faster you’ll need to stop) Setting up your car for better handling and cornering Written by David Vespremi, automotive expert, frequent guest on national car-related TV shows, track driving instructor and self-proclaimed modder, Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies gets you into the ECU and under the hood and gives you the keys to: Choosing new wheels, including everything from the basics to dubs and spinners Putting your car on a diet, because lighter means faster Basic power bolt-ons and more expensive power adders Installing roll bars and cages to enhance safety Adding aero add-ons, including front “chin” spoilers, real spoilers, side skirts, and canards Detailing, down to the best cleaners and waxes and cleaning under the hood Using OBD (on-board diagnostics) for troubleshooting Getting advice from general Internet sites and specific message boards and forums for your car’s make or model, whether it’s a Chevy pick-up or an Alfa Romeo roadster Whether you want to compete at drag strips or on road courses or simply accelerate faster on an interstate ramp, if you want to improve your car’s performance, Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies is just the boost you need.

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