"Artist Archives" is an extraordinary series of treasured artworks from the golden years of pin-up illustration. These collections are valuable references, as well as nostalgic reminders of glamorous periods. Each book showcases 14 carefully selected reproductions of artworks with attention to historic significance and artistic merit.

Meet Peter, Vicky, Kate, Alena, Alex, Costa, Rita, and, of course, Mama and Papa. And also Mafia the turtle, Schwartz the rat and his family, guinea pigs, Japanese mice, pigeons, three stray dogs, ... The big happy family on Vine Street, their neighbours, friends, and relatives...

Learn why the concept of "weird" is being reclaimed and turned into a badge of honor, used to show how being different—culturally, socially, physically, or mentally—can be a person's greatest strength. Most of us have at some point in our lives felt like an outsider, sometimes considering ourselves "too weird" to fit in. Growing up as a Russian immigrant in West Texas, Olga Khazan always felt there was something different about her. This feeling has permeated her life, and as she embarked on a science writing career, she realized there were psychological connections between this feeling of being an outsider and both her struggles and successes later in life. She decided to reach out to other people who were unique in their environments to see if they had experienced similar feelings of alienation, and if so, to learn how they overcame them. Weird is based on in-person interviews with many of these individuals, such as a woman who is professionally surrounded by men, a liberal in a conservative area, and a Muslim in a predominantly Christian town. In addition, it provides actionable insights based on interviews with dozens of experts and a review of hundreds of scientific studies. Weird explores why it is that we crave conformity, how that affects people who are different, and what they can do about it. First, the book dives into the history of social norms and why some people hew to them more strictly than others. Next, Khazan explores the causes behind-and the consequences of-social rejection. She then reveals the hidden upsides to being "weird," as well as the strategies that people who are different might use in order to achieve success in a society that values normalcy. Finally, the book follows the trajectories of unique individuals who either decided to be among others just like them; to stay weird; or to dwell somewhere in between. Combining Khazan's own story with those of others and with fascinating takeaways from cutting-edge psychology research, Weird reveals how successful individuals learned to embrace their weirdness, using it to their advantage.

The American English Compendium is a fun way to explore the nuances of the English language—learn that a group of lions is called a pride; a group of whales, a pod; and a group of owls, a parliament. Distinguish between a quack and a shyster. Learn that “tabling a motion” in a U.S. court has an opposite meaning from the same term in England. This book picks up where other language dictionaries leave off: it includes common proverbs, a sampling of American English versus British English, popular American expressions and slang, acronyms, and varied information on everything from wildlife to currency. In this new edition, the staples have been updated and fresh chapters have been added, with information on pronunciation, oddball English words, and even some of the new Internet terminology, including Twitterspeak.

A compendium of American proverbs, expressions, slang, colloquialisms; British-US glossary; abbreviations and acronyms and other various odds and ends. Widely used by non-native speakers and translators.

Seventeen-year-old Dru Sanjay's family is part of an organization with operatives secretly placed around the globe to protect the planet from extraterrestrials. Moving is just part of the job. But this time it's different. To help Dru get control of his ability to shift, they have ended up in the middle of nowhere, U.S.A. and Dru hates it there with a passion! Until he sees her. He takes one look at her and feels a jolt of recognition. He can't explain it, but he feels like she has always been and will always be his. The attraction is instant and primal. But getting close to her could put her in danger. Is he willing to take that chance? Nothing extraordinary ever happens in Alayna West's sucky, predictable life. So, when she heads out to the first day of her senior year, she hardly expects to be approached by the hottest guy she's ever seen, much less feel drawn to him, like an imaginary cord is pulling them together. Meeting Dru has already turned her boring life upside-down, but when they are attacked by a mythical creature in the woods, Alayna learns that reality is truly stranger than fiction. Dru uses superpowers to fight the creature and things get even crazier when Alayna saves Dru's life with awakening powers of her own. Suddenly, the world around her makes no sense. Torn between her predictable life and the strange new possibilities, Alayna realizes that she must discover the truth about herself before she is ready to follow her heart. Just when Alayna thinks she's finally making sense out of the world, a dead body shows up and the police connect it back to Dru. Alayna finds herself questioning everything she has ever believed in again. But, to save herself and those she cares about, she must find the courage to do something that she would never have expected herself capable of doing. In the end, will the invisible thread that binds Dru and Alayna tear them apart - or will it become their salvation? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR LOVERS OF SCI-FI, FANTASY, PARANORMAL, AND ROMANCE. THIS ONE IS SURE TO LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE.

In response to the escalating need for up-to-date information on writers, Contemporary Authors(R) New Revision Series brings researchers the most recent data on the worlds most-popular authors. These exciting and unique author profiles are essential to your holdings because sketches are entirely revised and up-to-date, and completely replace the original Contemporary Authors(R) entries. For your convenience, a soft-cover cumulative index is sent biannually.

WORD JUDGE USA is a compilation of words with 2 to 21 letters from various sources, approved by WGPO (Word Game Players Organization). All words are playable in tournaments and clubs within the North American Continent (Canada, Mexico, United States of America) including the English-speaking countries of Israel, Pakistan, Philippines, and Thailand. All words are verified and validated. WORD JUDGE USA lists over 190,000 words from A through Z, an authoritative reference list of acceptable words for all word game players.