Born into a regular Bronx family, and inspired by the likes of Hendrix, Led Zepellin, and the Kinks, Ace Frehley first picked up his brother's guitar at the age of 12. He had already performed in a number of bands when, in January 1973, he auditioned for an ad that read: "Guitarist wanted with flash and balls." Within a week he was invited to join - the band was KISS. Frehley explains how the band developed their style in the early days, making their own clothes, wearing make-up and platform shoes. Ace himself even designed the band's double lightning bolt logo. Before long his persona "the Spaceman" was born and the familiar KISS look established - almost overnight they left behind 1,500 seater theatres in the Midwest and were playing sold-out stadiums around the world. Life in KISS was a whirlwind of accidents, overdoses and excess. Ace partied with the likes of John Belushi and Nic Nolte and enjoyed the seemingly endless supply of fringe benefits that came from being in one of the most successful bands in the history of rock 'n' roll. But soon problems with substance abuse would lead to his leaving the band in 1982, before returning for a second tenure in 1996. Ace in the Hole is the story of KISS but much more than that - it's the story of a kid from the Bronx who found purpose and salvation through music and rose to the top. It's the story of a guy who lived life to the fullest and almost forfeited his life as a result. And ultimately it's a survival story - Ace is alive and kicking, still making music and influencing a new generation of guitarists.

The golfer lines up the shot. It's a long one, and the chances of acing it are nil. He says a prayer, swings, and - hallelujah! - he scores a hole in one. Many golfers confess to murmuring earnest prayers that they, too, may join the 42,000 people a year who catch lightning in a bottle and score a hole in one. It's an excitement that many lucky golfers say they remember with more clarity than their first kiss. That's because nothing in the grand old game is as mysterious yet mundane as the ace. Scott Hoch has had 26; fellow pro Fred Couples just two. Blind men and women have hit them, as have first-time golfers, three-year-old toddlers, and hundred-year-old widows. Richard Nixon is the only president to have scored one and he said it was a greater thrill than winning an election. Filled with fun facts and anecdotes, Hole in One! is a comprehensive clearinghouse of unusual stories involving the aura and accomplishment of scoring an ace. Readers will find out how duffers call upon unusual good luck charms and customs from foreign countries to ensure their swinging success. Hole in One! is the perfect book for all golfers who love the game, whether they're accomplished players or rank amateurs.

"Between 1995 and 1999, Patton Oswalt lived with an unshakable addiction. It wasn't drugs, alcohol or sex: it was film. After moving to L.A., Oswalt became a huge film buff (or as he calls it, a sprocket fiend), absorbing classics, cult hits, and new releases at the New Beverly Cinema. Silver screen celluloid became Patton's life schoolbook, informing his notion of acting, writing, comedy, and relationships. Set in the nascent days of L.A.'s alternative comedy scene, Oswalt's memoir chronicles his journey from fledgling stand-up comedian to self-assured sitcom actor, with the colorful New Beverly collective and a cast of now-notable young comedians supporting him all along the way"--

In-depth profiles, spirited Q & A's, and on-the-set glimpses of the director at work

'Ace on the River' is no ordinary poker book. This is the first truly "advanced" guide aimed at improving your game. Written in an easy-to-read, bare bones conversational style and designed to help anyone interested in increasing their understanding of the game, this book is ideal for those new to the game or winning professionals. The fundamental philosophies presented go beyond the green felt and can be applied in all competitive ventures. While most poker books focus on basic rules and strategies, the books advanced perspective addresses elements that effect both game play and the player. Focusing on a variety of subjects such as the psychology of poker, money management, family issues, and sex, this book gives the reader a rare chance to look beyond the cards to see the poker world through someone who lives it. The unique you-make-the-call-play by play section will challenge the reader again and again. This is a review and guide to the world of high-stakes poker as seen by one of the most well-known and well-respected players of all time. From the beginning of 2003 until the middle of 2004, Barry Greenstein won seven poker tournaments and came in second five times, including winning a World Poker Tour event and a World Series of Poker bracelet. Known as the Robin Hood of Poker, Barry has donated nearly three million dollars of his tournament winnings to charity.

The renowned director talks to Cameron Crowe about 30 years at the very heart of Hollywood. Wilder's distinct voice provides a fascinating insider's view of the film industry past and present.

Using newly released documents, the author presents an integrated look at American nuclear policy and diplomacy in crises from the Berlin blockade to Vietnam. The book answers the question why, when the atomic bomb had been used with such devastating effect against the Japanese Empire in 1945, American leaders put this most apocalyptic of weapons back on the shelf, never to be used again in anger. It documents the myopia of Potomac strategists in involving the U.S. in wars of attrition in Korea and Southeast Asia, marginal areas where American vital interests were in no way endangered. Despite the presence of hundreds, then thousands of nuclear bombs and warheads in the nation's stockpile, the greatest military weapon in history became politically impossible to use. And yet overwhelming nuclear superiority did serve its ultimate purpose in the Cold War. When American vital interests were threatened—over Berlin and Cuba—the Soviets backed down from confrontation. Despite errors in strategic judgment brought on by fear of Communist expansion, and in some cases outright incompetence, the ace in the hole proved decisive.

Edited collection of golf columns and golf book reviews

THE $600,000 GAMBLE Clint Adams has been hired to play poker against five of the world's wealthiest competitors on behalf of Virginia City banker Arliss Morgan—for a pot that's more than half a million dollars. There's an even greater risk involved when word of the game leaks out, making the money an easy target for every outlaw gang in the territory. But the real threat comes from within Morgan's own camp. His wife has a scheme that will give her the winning hand—unless she tries to bluff the Gunsmith...