For two decades, Michael Bern, a gay television writer in Hollywood, has stared at an unfinished screenplay sitting on his desk. After attending a friend's funeral in his hometown of Newport News, Virginia, Michael returns to Hollywood and finds there is more than a screenplay that is unfinished in his life. He finally confronts what the screenplay represents -- memories and stories of the sometimes sad, often hilarious characters of his past, especially his mother and her four closest friends. Florence, Hannah, Rona, Arlene and Doreen -- five more fascinating, menopausal, Jewish women one would never meet. They were friends for more than forty years and saw each other through life's triumphs, tragedies and multiple spouses. Yet, there was only one constant in their lives. On Tuesdays, they played Mah Jongg

Learn the fascinating game of American Mahjong with this expert guide. This affordable best-selling book is one of the only available game strategy guides that is specifically geared toward American Mahjong (Mah Jongg) and follows the official National Mah Jongg League rules. Offering first-time players an easy-to-follow guide to this complex game, A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg includes simple, easy-to-follow instructions and clear diagrams to walk the reader through each step of the game, including how to select a hand, how to play and how to develop winning strategies. A key feature is the color text which clearly shows various hands and tiles. This Mahjong guide includes: Step-by-step instructions for gameplay. Hands-on "Do It" exercises Tips and quizzes for easy learning Mahjong background and history An explanation of tile symbolism Glossary of Mahjong terms A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg is the perfect guide for all skill levels to learn Mahjong--from Mahjong beginners to pros.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it's a very worthy addition to the world of Mah Jongg." --Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg League This is the first book to fully capture the story of the exotic and exciting game of Mahjong or "Mah Jongg", offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the tiles. When authors Ann Israel and Gregg Swain began playing Mahjong, they were unaware of the vintage collections that existed not only in the United States but also across the globe. Slowly, they started to collect their own sets of Mahjong and as their collections grew, so did their appreciation of the history of, and interest in, the game. Finding few references, Israel and Swain set out to create a book that chronicles the early beginnings of the game and documents Mahjong sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most precious materials such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respected scholars and game experts have collaborated with Israel and Swain, contributing important chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, great collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy. With hundreds of beautiful new images by renowned photographer Michel Arnaud, and including historical documentation and ephemera, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game fills the void between the past's and today's game, providing vision, inspiration and resources. Anyone who has ever been intrigued by a Mahjong tile will find in these pages visually stunning photographs that will entice them into becoming an enthusiast of the timeless game of Mahjong.

WORKING BOYS by MILTON STERN, the popular online serial, is now in print. Published weekly over a two-year period, all the chapters are now together in two print editions. Follow the lives of notorious, retired madam, Madeline Bennett, and her two Gay sons, Bradley, a former escort, and Marty, a police detective, as they navigate mid-life, while working to solve thirty-year-old, cold murder cases that may be related to a spate of recent beating deaths of working boys. Meet a colorful cast of characters who come into and out of their lives as well as many nefarious individuals, whose only goal is to destroy them. WORKING BOYS, Part I is just the beginning. The adventure continues in WORKING BOYS, Part II.

These dark, thought-provoking, and sometimes humorous tales masterfully blend elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror to delve into humanity's never-ending struggle to master death and achieve eternal life.

Master the fascinating and rewarding game of American Mahjong with this guide for beginners. "Strategies, strategies, strategies! If I only knew more strategies I could win more games!" is the frequent lament of beginning Mahjong players. Following up on the success of her acclaimed book, A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg, bestselling author Elaine Sandberg's new book offers novice players the advice they need to excel at the game of Mahjong. Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies: A Guide for the Novice Player is the strategy guidebook that provides American Mahjongg beginners with the practical information they need to build hands, improve game-play skills, strategize, and win! This easy-to-follow, comprehensive book teaches players how to overcome common difficulties and provides the knowledge to sharpen strategic skills and increase win ratios. By showing beginners how to see and utilize different strategic elements and scenarios, players learn how to elevate their skills. Challenges covered in this Mahjongg book include: Finding the best hand The use of defensive tools To Expose or not to Expose and why Determining an opponent's hand And many more… Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies is a gem of a book that is the perfect gift for Mahjong players of all ages!

Master the exhilarating game of Mahjong with this introductory guide. This complete, easy-to-follow instructional Mahjong handbook includes over 150 full-color photographs and illustrations to introduce players to this captivating game. This is the first Mahjong book to cover the Cantonese or "old rules" game fully. It also includes all of the most popular variations, such as the Shanghai game, the 16-tile or Taiwanese game, and the 12-tile game. Included are the rules, tactics, techniques, strategy and the rituals only the most experienced players know. This Mahjong book includes: Easy-to-follow instructions Full-color illustrations and photographs Instruction on: Authentic Chinese Mahjong play Cantonese Mahjong play Shanghai Mahjong play American Mahjong play The 12-tile versions of the game The Complete Book of Mah Jong is the perfect guide for all skill levels to learn the different styles of Mahjong--from Mahjong beginners to pros.