Writing this book has helped me psychologically. It was, in part, written to help me deal with the death of my eldest son, Jamie, who was killed at the age of 23, on October 5, 2006, the day before my 59th birthday. The seed for this book was planted in my head while I was practicing my kick with a kickboard at the swimming pool at the gym I go to. For some reason, I had this crazy idea of quitting teaching and becoming a lifeguard. The idea of sitting high up there in a lifeguard stand and thinking great thoughts between heroic rescues of saving people from drowning, really appealed to me. This book is sort of a reverse coming-of-age story; maybe a going-of-age story. In it are a series of essays about my growing up and my growing old, as well as an on-going novella based loosely on my swim clinics.

All the invited animals, from one little mouse to ten little porcupines, busily prepare to attend the Butterfly Ball.

In this “deeply personal and lyrical book” (Publishers Weekly) from the New York Times bestselling author of The Horse, Wendy Williams explores the lives of one of the world’s most resilient creatures—the butterfly—shedding light on the role that they play in our ecosystem and in our human lives. “[A] glorious and exuberant celebration of these biological flying machines…Williams takes us on a humorous and beautifully crafted journey” (The Washington Post). From butterfly gardens to zoo exhibits, these “flying flowers” are one of the few insects we’ve encouraged to infiltrate our lives. Yet, what has drawn us to these creatures in the first place? And what are their lives really like? In this “entertaining look at ‘the world’s favorite insect’” (Booklist, starred review), New York Times bestselling author and science journalist Wendy Williams reveals the inner lives of these delicate creatures, who are far more intelligent and tougher than we give them credit for. Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year from Canada to Mexico. Other species have learned how to fool ants into taking care of them. Butterflies’ scales are inspiring researchers to create new life-saving medical technology. Williams takes readers to butterfly habitats across the globe and introduces us to not only various species, but “digs deeply into the lives of both butterflies and [the] scientists” (Science magazine) who have spent decades studying them. Coupled with years of research and knowledge gained from experts in the field, this accessible “butterfly biography” explores the ancient partnership between these special creatures and humans, and why they continue to fascinate us today. “Informative, thought-provoking,” (BookPage, starred review) and extremely profound, The Language of Butterflies is a “fascinating book [that] will be of interest to anyone who has ever admired a butterfly, and anyone who cares about preserving these stunning creatures” (Library Journal).

"Use as a companion to the book Boomer volunteer engagement: collaborate today, thrive tomorrow"--Cover.

A satirical interpretation of the bible features an interpretation of world history from Creation to the modern era, as well as commentary on religion, art, film, literature, television, and other cultural matters

Today there are approximately seventy-six million Americans who were born in the years from 1946 to 1965 the baby boomers. In their youth they thrived, voting for a number of entitlements based on assumptions of economic growth that no longer applies. Now, as baby boomers continue aging, they must face a number of potentially disheartening realities. From caring for ailing parents to funding their retirement to facing death, many issues weigh too heavily upon the minds of the baby boomer generation to allow for a peaceful, productive second half of life. What's more, many of the spiritual belief systems passed down for so many generations no longer provide the comfort or support people need in order to face the challenges of the later half of life. The people need something new. In this second edition of Baby Boomer Lamentations, author and self-proclaimed religious philosopher Lewis Tagliaferre explores the concept of Theofatalism and addresses the rising spiritual concerns of the baby boomers, offering a new outlook to help readers make the inevitable transitions through the later years of life.

1970's college graduate Zinnia Frisch takes off on a free-spirited adventure through Europe and lands at the magical Spanish island of Ibiza. There, she discovers the exotic sexy cast of international characters who have made this place their home. With $500 and a backpack of belongings, she moves in with the in-crowd. So begins Zinnia's eventful journey as she cuts loose for unknown, forbidden places across four continents - and meets her own Prince Charming, Berend van Bos of the Netherlands. Berend, a millionaire entrepreneur, brings Zinnia into his jet-set life and into the midst of a huge hashish deal replete with Moroccan farmers, clandestine investors, dangerous cover-ups, and Interpol. Zinnia is a baby boomer who chose an alternative lifestyle, one that takes us on an almost unbelievable series of misadventures and surprises that couldn't happen in today's world. It's candid and refreshing, a splendid sun-drenched read with just the right touch of noir underpinning! You will find yourself in Zinnia and her adventures in those carefree early baby boomer days. Review by: Todd Mercer for ForeWord Magazine FOUR STARS 'Where have you been darling? ''Well Ma' I replied, 'I've been in prison in Morocco' She looked at me. 'You must be hungry' "Zinnia Frisch, an expatriate American, and her secretive Dutch husband Beri are preparing a huge transatlantic shipment of hashish from their beach resort in Tangier. They anxiously scan the waves for the running lights of a craft aptly named Wanderlust, half-expecting police to jump from the shadows. Such elongated moments of combined dread and anticipation make exciting lives and dramatic, self-searching fiction. The story backs up five years to 1970 to show how far the daughter of a cryptographer has come from her New York roots. Though she protests against the Vietnam War in college, and speaks vaguely against consumerism, specific ideologies aren't a lasting priority.

Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's, Skissley is the oldest child in a Nebraska farm family of modest means. Her possessions are few, but she does possess two rare and priceless gifts: talent to write and remarkable insight. Combined with her keen observations of the people, events, and magnificent nature surrounding her, the results are a unique perspective of life in mid 20th century Middle America, which Skissley captures in the pages of her beloved diaries. But being only twelve as well as inherently honest, she regularly spills the beans on the family secrets. Then too, there is that notorious river town of Rulo nearby, with the majority of its population of hangers-on comprised of eccentric and unsavory misfits. Though these characters with their questionable lifestyles live but a stone's throw from Skissley, they are worlds apart from her. Yet few will escape her scrutiny or the veracity of her pen. While it seems that Skissley is merely divulging colorful tidbits of life within her sphere, it soon becomes obvious that she is really revealing the inner workings of her own soul, because she is in fact, a true Child of the Universe.

Tired of doing Crossword Puzzles or Sudoku on the way to work? Take The Baby Boomer Quiz. Let's see how well you remember the "good old days". You will remember when life was a simpler time. It will bring back fond memories. It did for me. I know you have as good a time taking The Baby Boomer Quiz as I did compiling it. "Try it, you'll like it." What household product used this punch line in its TV commercial? See question #99 for the answer.