Through his wildly popular series Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Kane Chronicles, 39 Clues, and The Heroes of Olympus, Riordan has sparked young readers interest in world mythology and literature, a renewed fascination that is reinforced by film adaptations, toys, games, and other tie-ins. As a child, Riordan thought of books as too difficult to read and, in the end, not very interesting or worth the effortin fact, he grew up as a reluctant reader who didnt like books. While Riordan did eventually grow to love both reading and writing, it was a long journey for him. He has now found enormous success as a writer and storyteller. When he noticed his own young son struggling with reading, Riordan was able to capture his attention in the same way that he had finally been hookedthrough an interest in the otherworldly appeal of mythology. It was from these bedtime stories that he told to his son that the Percy Jackson series was born. The series not only helped to capture his sons imagination, it started a very successful career for Riordan as a young adult writer. Today, not only do Percy Jackson fans eagerly await another movie installment of the bestselling books, but increasing hype surrounds the film adaptations of the Kane Chronicles and The 39 Clues, too. Behind all of these impressive tokens of fame and success lie very humble beginnings. The stories millions of children love today came from the mind of just one man. This is Riordans inspiring story, one that is every bit as intriguing, dramatic, motivational, and full of unexpected twists and turns as any of his beloved and fantastical works of fiction. This volume includes fact

    There were 20,000 Japanese troops on Saipan, but the US obliterated the opposition after a horrific all-arms campaign. The sudden silence only indicated it was now Tinian’s turn.By the time the US 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions switched their sights to Tinian, the island had already been bombarded for a month; meantime both sides had learned their lessons from the previous island-hopping invasions. The Americans had learned the arts of recon, deception, plus preliminary firepower so as not to suffer the huge casualties they’d suffered at Saipan, Guadalcanal, and Tarawa; the Japanese, for their part, had learned not to contest US strength on beaches but to draw it further inland where terrain and bomb-proof fortifications could assist.When the battle for Tinian finally took place the US acted with great skill. Historian Samuel Elliot Morrison called it “the most perfectly executed amphibious operation of the entire war.” Nevertheless, the Japanese resisted with their usual stubbornness, and the already decimated US Marines suffered hundreds of more casualties.During the battle Japanese shore batteries were able to riddle the battleship Colorado, killing scores, plus make multiple hits on a destroyer, killing its captain. On the island itself the US used napalm for the first time, paving the way for Marines painstakingly rooting out strongpoints. One last Banzai attack signaled the end to enemy resistance, as Marines fought toe-to-toe with their antagonists in the dark.In the end some 8,000 Japanese were killed, with only 300 surrenders, plus some others who hid out for years after the war. But those Japanese who resisted perhaps performed a greater service than they knew. After Tinian was secured the US proceeded to build the biggest airport in the world on that island—home to hundreds of B-29 Superfortresses. Among these, just over a year later, were the Enola Gay and Boxcar, which with their atomic bombs would quickly bring the Japanese homeland itself to its knees.

    She wowed the judges with her ability to create stylish, fitted garments using a freehand cutting method that was taught to her by an aunt. In Freehand Fashion, Chinelo lets us in to the secret of how she does it. Using a series of basic garment blocks, she explains how this innovative technique can be used to create a whole wardrobe of fashionable clothes that will fit every shape and size - with no patterns required. Based on a traditional Nigerian technique, Chinelo has developed her own freehand cutting method. The emphasis is on the individual’s own body measurements, and getting the perfect fit. This is a surprisingly simple technique that anyone can learn. No fancy equipment is needed - just a sewing machine, measuring tape, chalk and of course a good pair of scissors. Using step-by-step illustrations, the book shows how to draft, cut and construct the five basic blocks that are used - either singly or in combination - to make every item of clothing in the wardrobe. Once you have your basic blocks, you are ready to tackle the projects - practical garments that are fashionable, modern, stylish and versatile. There are tops, skirts, day dresses and eveningwear. This is an exciting sewing technique that will be brand new to most people, even experienced dressmakers. There really are no limits - and the beauty of this technique is that it can be applied to any body shape.

    With hilarious anecdotes and irreverent observations, Karo captures the twentysomething experience like never before and answers the question, "Is there life after college?" Featuring the very best of his world-renowned email column as well as brand-new material published here for the first time, Ruminations on Twentysomething Life details Karo's evolution from frat boy to manhood and explores the frenzied lives of a generation living in the strange and unique gap between college and marriage. With his trademark acerbic wit, Karo ruminates on everything from your first day on the job to the last call at the bar. Perfect for students about to get their first dose of reality, twentysomethings procrastinating at work, or anyone who wants to relive their glory days, this book is sure to have readers laughing out loud and nodding their heads in agreement that there is indeed life after college.

    Pensions have almost completely disappeared and the financial future of Social Security has many worried. This book shows you how to take control of your own future by teaching you the fundamentals of investing.Many people are afraid to put their hard earned money in the stock market because they don’t want to lose it all. This book shows you how to invest your money for growth instead of treating the stock market like a slot machine and just hoping to get lucky. Inside the book you will discover: The basics of what the stock market is and how it works The differences between passive and active investing The differences between stocks, bonds, and cash All about mutual funds and other types of funds What you need to know about the economy to make good investments How to plan for retirement All about risk And Much More This quick start guide will help you go from knowing very little about investing to being confident in starting your own investment in your retirement.If you are looking for a get rich quick scheme, this book isn’t for you. But, if you want to learn about how to invest and the best ways to plan for your retirement, this book will start you on the path of taking control of your own future.The sooner you get your copy, the sooner you can start your personal investment education. Don’t wait another second. Get Your Copy Right Now

    But the good news is that more men are being cured of this disease than ever before. Now in a revised fourth edition, this lifesaving guide by Dr. Patrick Walsh and award-winning science writer Janet Farrar Worthington offers a message of hope to every man facing this illness. Prostate cancer is a different disease in every man--which means that the right treatment varies for each person. Public awareness for this disease has transformed treatment and opened up new avenues of research; rapid advances in knowledge are being translated in new recommendations for management. In this book, Dr. Walsh will address questions such as: What causes prostate cancer? Your risk factors, including heredity, diet, and environment. Can I prevent prostate cancer? How some simple changes in your diet and lifestyle can help prevent or delay the disease. Does prostate cancer need to be treated at all? This hot-button issue is vital for men to understand. How do I know if I have prostate cancer? An explanation of the recently refined and expanded recommendations. How can my prostate cancer be treated? The pros and cons of new technologies and new information on focal therapy.

    Exceptional power. And exceptional blessings.Gwen Smith knows how easy it is to dismiss God’s plans with the thoughts, I can’t make a big difference for God because I’m just an ordinary woman with an ordinary life. Yet God created us to join Him in doing amazing work in the world. He created us to live with abundant joy, courage, and influence. But not the joy, courage, and influence of the world. He offers His grace for each failure, His love that shatters hate, His peace that soothes the turmoil, His comfort, guidance, wisdom, rest, power, and significance. Every blessing He has for us is ours for the taking.I Want It All will ignite a fire in your heart to experience more faith, more power, and more impact. More of Jesus. All of Jesus. Everything that God has for you.

    Imperial Valley’s biggest crime is detailed through volumes of official records and interviews with witnesses, relatives and investigators.Serial killer Robert Eugene Pennington not only murdered Sayers, but was a suspect in killing Dorothy Minor-Hindman in Fresno and possibly fifteen other innocent victims from coast to coast including one victim attributed to the Boston Strangler.Extensive research provides the reader with details of Pennington’s life before and after his encounter with Brenda.

    Now for the first time, the award-winning actress who captured our hearts in "Days of Our Lives" and "Melrose Place" reveals her best-kept secrets for staying fit, managing weight, looking beautiful, feeling sexy, and living the best life possible. In "Rinnavation," her guide to looking and feeling your best, you'll discover: - How Lisa got that Dancing with the Stars body- How to lose weight fast -- without counting calories- How to be "camera-ready" in just minutes- Advice for balancing work and family while also finding time to take care of yourself- Plus: Lisa's instant "lip plumper," quick-fix tanner, everyday makeup advice, hairstyling secrets, and even super-hot sex tips!As a Hollywood star, Lisa has worked with the very best stylists, trainers, and professionals in the industry. Now she shares all her insider secrets, with surprising candor, down-to-earth humor, and irresistible charm. She talks frankly about her self-esteem lows, her struggle losing baby weight, her Hollywood marriage with actor Harry Hamlin, and her never-before-told experiences with cosmetic surgery. She reveals her emotional and spiritual journey from feeling unattractive and uninspired to finding a new sense of purpose and enthusiasm. And she shows you how to dramatically improve the quality of your life -- inside and out -- by approaching it one day at a time."I firmly believe that anyone can change their life for the better," Lisa says. "You just have to make up your mind to make it happen."

    J&J Super Pretzels... Dunkin' Donuts... Little Caesar's Crazy Bread... These are some of America's greatest food inventions. Now, thanks to intrepid kitchen sleuth Todd Wilbur, you can make home versions of over 50 more of your favorite foods. All of them are shockingly easy to prepare with ingredients from your local supermarket! Wilbur's fabulous clones leave out the preservatives and include suggestions for making high-cholesterol dishes lower in fat without changing the tastes we all love. Included, too, are the fascinating origins of each product; Todd Wilbur's own amazing kitchen adventures, narrow escapes, and near-death experiences; and even his learned-it-the-hard-way cooking tips.

    Soak with Hungarians in a thermal bath, sample paprika at the Great Market Hall, and take a romantic twilight cruise on the Danube. Wander through the opulence of Budapest's late-19th-century Golden Age. View relics of the bygone communist era at Memento Park. For a break, head into the countryside for Habsburg palaces and Hungarian folk villages.Rick's candid, humorous advice will guide you to good-value hotels and restaurants. He'll help you plan where to go and what to see, depending on the length of your trip. You'll learn which sights are worth your time and money and how to get around like a local. More than just reviews and directions, a Rick Steves guidebook is a tour guide in your pocket.

    You don't need to spend a lot of time searching, planning or preparing. The 101 recipes give you a variety of menu options without being overwhelming. The ingredients are all right on your pantry shelves or in your refrigerator. And, best of all, you can put them together in minutes, not hours, so you have time for the important things in your life. Nothing fancy here - just plain, wholesome and delicious recipes you and your family will love.

    or just get really knackered? Find out the answers to these important questions, and many more, by joining him on a grand adventure that takes in 26,719 steps, 921 stiles, 302 bridges, 91,000 feet of climbing and descending, 1 seal, 0 basking sharks, lots of chips and 1 overweight, oversized backpack.

    But sometimes we do not pursue our dreams because we are afraid to fail or lose face. Instead of pursuing our dreams, we constantly worry about what we "should have" done or said, and this causes stress and anxiety. Moreover, that is the voice of fear, speaking to you. We see other successful people, who achieved their goals, and think, "how do they do it?" This book uncovers the fearless mindset you need to be successful. The truth is that fear makes us negative and timid. Research shows that almost 2/3 of our thoughts are negative. No wonder that every time we want to pursue our desires, fear holds us back. Achieve what you want from life: all it takes is action Fear is triggered when our safety is in danger. It is a tool to avoid physical harm and death from enemies. Now, fear itself is our biggest enemy. We have to defeat the enemy within that knocks down our dreams. For instance, when you live in constant distress because you hate your job; your mood, dreams and above all, your health is impacted. Stress has severe consequences for our body and can lead to depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and burn-out. 7 Steps To Freedom That You Can Apply Immediately But there is good news: defeating fear and achieving your goals is a skill. Similar to mastering every skill, it takes practice and the right set of tools. Everything starts with one realization: fear is a choice. Massive Life Success unveils the principles of gaining control over your life, so you can say no to fear and achieve your goals. Learn to live a stress-free existence and achieve your goals by: Knowing why people fail to reach their goals, and others succeed Knowing how to live a life of joy and presence Understanding the fear mechanism Discovering the solution for stress Finding your purpose Learning to say no

    If you don't know what you want, I'll do it for you."Few record producers possess the musical facility to back up such a bold promise, but in over forty-plus years behind the glass, Todd Rundgren has willed himself into becoming a not only a rock guitar virtuoso, an accomplished lead vocalist and vocal arranger and visionary keyboard player, not to mention a serviceable drummer. But arguably, Rundgren's greatest instrument of all is the recording studio itself. After learning his craft with Nazz, Rundgren engineered The Band's Stage Fright album and soon became the producer of a string of noteworthy albums for Sparks, Grand Funk, The New York Dolls, Badfinger, Hall & Oates, Meat Loaf, Patti Smith Group, Cheap Trick, The Psychedelic Furs and XTC. Meanwhile, Rundgren played almost every instrument on his solo albums such as Something/Anything?, A Wizard A True Star and Hermit Of Mink Hollow while collaborating on a series of albums by his band, Utopia. A Wizard A True Star: Todd Rundgren In The Studio by Paul Myers is a fascinating and authoritative trip through the land of flickering red lights inhabited by a studio wizard - and true star - who has rarely enjoyed a proper victory lap along the many trails that he has blazed. Researched and written with the participation and cooperation of Rundgren himself.