During the course of his life, the author has traveled to over 50 countries, flown on many airlines, and lived on three continents. Today this may not be unusual, and there are many travel books which describe all of these remote and exotic places in great detail. However, what is unique, are some of the most funny experiences which the author has had on his travels, and these are the stories which are captured in this most humorous book

Global perceptions about Liberia tend to cover up its lighter side-or, at least, the very positive feelings so many people have had about living and working in the country. This book is about the professional and personal experiences of a U.S. government economist living in Liberia from 2012 to 2014. Embracing the concept of the "chasm" of culture, politics, and history between citizens of Western countries and the poorest of the poor, its central thesis holds that all of us ultimately do live in the same world. The collected stories engage the lifestyle of an expat aid worker while raging against the culture of charity, steeped in pity, that often feeds the machine of development work that makes that lifestyle a cliché. Pity is demoralizing and dehumanizing. Don't pity other people, ever.

(Amadeus). Richard Wagner: The Lighter Side appeals to classical music and opera enthusiasts in general, but particularly the many thousands of members of the 135 Wagner Societies around the world. There are many books about every aspect of Wagner's life and works, but none has focused on the trivia, the interesting facts, anecdotes, and quotations about the man and his operas. For more than twenty years, Terry Quinn has collected information on each of Wagner's 13 completed operas and the difficulties encountered in staging them; famous Wagnerian directors, conductors, and singers; key persons in the composer's life, especially the women, not to mention the dysfunctional Wagner family; Wagner's visits to London; the festival and theater he created in Bavaria; and a great deal more. Also included are interviews with current Wagnerian scholars. Richard Wagner: The Lighter Side contains more than 300 tidbits and features, ranging from a few paragraphs to several pages. The light side of the book is immediately apparent via its lively headings, as well as its fascinating tales of the fanatical enthusiasts who travel the world to see Wagner's operas performed. Illustrations include photographs, dozens of contemporary caricatures, beautiful postage stamps on Wagnerian subjects, and other reproductions of ephemera.

The Darker Side of Travel is a contemporary and comprehensive analysis of dark tourism. Drawing on existing literature, numerous examples and introducing new conceptual perspectives, it develops a theoretically informed foundation for examining the demand for and supply of dark tourism experiences. It also explores issues relevant to the development, management and interpretation of visitor sites and attractions associated with death, disaster and suffering.

Punished for an indiscretion, Navy SEAL and single father Zachary Floyd, a world-class player nicknamed Pretty Boy, must teach a new SEAL-like program for females and is mystified when one of his students, a tall, beautiful, and muscular Norsewoman fleeing a nunnery, her father, and the eleventh century, rejects his advances. Original.

From the New York Times bestselling writing team comes a hilarious new collection of essays that observe life from a mother/daughter perspective New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline and her daughter Francesca Serritella are the best of friends—99.9% of the time. They're number one on each other's speed dial and they tell each other everything—well, almost everything. They share shoes and clothes—except one very special green jacket, which almost caused a catfight. In other words, they're just like every mother and daughter in the world. Best friends, and occasional enemies. Now they're dishing about it all—their lives, their relationship, and their carb count. Inspired by their weekly column, "Chick Wit" for The Philadelphia Inquirer, this book is one you'll have to put down—just to stop laughing. Lisa on Being a Mom - Motherhood has no expiration date. Francesca lives in the city, and I worry about her all the time. My daughter moved out, so why am I still lactating? Francesca on Being a Daughter - My mother is always right. Just ask her. Lisa on Things Every Daughter Should Know - Your mother is always thinking about you, but that's not creepy. Your mother will never forget who did you dirty in the sixth grade, for which you can thank her. And your mother will never stop asking you if you need to go to the bathroom, before you leave the house. Well, do you? Francesca on Closet Wars - My mom is a great dresser. Mostly because she's wearing my clothes. Lisa on Aging Gracefully - My sex drive is in reverse, I have more whiskers than my cat, and my estrogen replacement is tequila. Francesca on Apartment Living - When I saw a mouse, the first person I called was Mom. She told me to call my super, but I felt bad bothering him. I hate to bother people. But I love to bother my mother.

This essential guide for today’s traveler features timesaving tips for planning, booking, and troubleshoot your trip—on and off the Web. If you’ve ever tried to find a sale fare you saw advertised for a flight, only to turn up much higher prices, or discovered that the hotel you booked wasn’t exactly “steps away from the ocean,” you know that the do-it-yourself era of travel can mean something else entirely: you’re on your own. Now travel reporter and New York Times contributor Susan Stellin helps readers navigate the sometimes overwhelming logistics of travel, from researching trip plans to avoiding pitfalls on the road. This comprehensive guidebook presents practical advice on the most useful Web sites, strategies for finding the best deals, and resources to help you decide where and when to go. It also provides crucial tips to ensure your trip doesn’t disappoint, including: What to research before booking a hotel How to avoid hidden fees and expensive penalties What your credit card covers when you rent a car Whom to call if you need a doctor far from home And much more!