Stop comparing and despairing—and discover an easier, happier life: “I encourage you to read this book” (Bob Buford, author of Halftime). Most of us have heard the expression “keeping up with the Joneses.” They’re supposed to be the perfect, successful American family that everyone wants to measure up to—but no one seems to have actually met them. The authors of this book have, though—and they’d like to introduce them to you. You might be surprised. Too often, we measure success by our accomplishments or the stuff we’ve accumulated. But life should be about so much more, like discovering who you are, why you are here, and the legacy you create. Think of the possibilities if you started living your life more intentionally, doing more of the things that matter most—and less of everything else. Could life be less hectic? What if you spent more time doing things today that could lead to a better tomorrow, instead of just trying to survive each day? What if you could live more simply, yet more fully? Who Are the Joneses Anyway? asks relevant questions and, with practical steps and resources, encourages you to be brave enough to seek the answers.

This book isn't for you. It's too late for you. It's for your kids, your friend's kids and your sisters' kids. Admit it! Just like the rest of us, you've been keeping up with the Joneses. You're a ticking time bomb ready to explode. You're in over your head, stressed to the max and your poor family and friends have to deal with you. Do them a favor. Read this book, practice the tips, and set an example for the kids. At least they may have a chance at a happier, stress-free life. Is it really too late for you? I challenge you to go against the grain and screw the Joneses! See how to live below your means to create more time and money. By not "Keeping up with the Joneses", it's easy to do. Enjoy the power packed tips on how to have a blast while you last. Putting these tips into practice will enhance your family and relationships. You may actually be fun to be around! Get ready to laugh, cry, roll your eyes and think, "I could never do that!" But be sure to ask yourself, "What can I do differently before it's too late?"

There is no wittier, more amiable or more astute word maven than Pulitzer Prize­winning columnist William Safire. For many people, the first item on the agenda for Sunday morning is to sit down and read Safire's "On Language" column in The New York Times Magazine, then to compose a "Gotcha" letter to the Times. Each of his books on language is a classic, to be read, re-read and fought over. Safire is the beloved, slightly crotchety guru of contemporary vocabulary, speech, language, usage and writing, as close as we are likely to get to a modern Samuel Johnson. Fans, critics and fellow language mavens eagerly await his books on language. This one is no exception. William Safire has written the weekly New York Times Magazine column "On Language" since 1979. His observations on grammar, usage and etymology have led to the publication of fourteen "word books" and have made him the most widely read writer on the English language today. The subjects for his columns come from his insights into the current political scene, as well as from technology, entertainment and life in general. Known for his delight in catching people (especially politicians) who misuse words, he is not above tackling his own linguistic gaffes. Safire examines and comments on language trends and traces the origins of everyday words, phrases and clichés to their source. Scholarly, entertaining, lively and thoughtful, Safire's pointed commentaries on popular language and culture are at once provocative and enlightening. Want the 411 on what's phat and what's skeevy? Here's the "straight dope" on everything from "fast-track legislation" to "the Full Monty," with deft and well-directed potshots at those who criticize, twist the usage of or misunderstand the meaning of such classic examples of American idiom as "grow'd like Topsy," "and the horse you rode in on," "drop a dime" (on someone), "go figure" and hundreds more, together with sharp, witty and passionately opinionated letters from both ordinary readers and equally irate or puzzled celebrities who have been unable to resist picking up a pen to put Mr. Safire in his place or to offer detailed criticism, additional examples or amusing anecdotes. No Uncertain Terms is a boisterous and brilliant look at the oddities and foibles of our language. Not only "a blast and a half," but wise, clever and illuminating, it is a book that Mencken would have loved and that should be on the desk (or at the bedside) of everyone who shares Mr. Safire's profound love of the English language and his penchant for asking, "Where does that come from?" This new collection is a joy that will spark the interest of language lovers everywhere.

From Whitney Collins, the award-winning author of Big Bad, come twenty-three new dark and derelict (and hilarious) tales about—you guessed it—love. With Ricky, Collins applies her sharp eye, black humor, and generous heart to love stories (and the stories we tell ourselves about love). Among the wacky, tacky, lovesick, and lovelorn characters are: Ilona, the misanthropic mother and unhappy fiancé who is increasingly transfixed by a rash of local shark attacks; Imogen, the sperm bank client who cultivates the love she madly desires inside herself; and Aurora Flood, the coma survivor on a mission to plant a sacred seed from the Olive Garden. Blending elements of southern gothic, speculative fiction, and horror, Ricky & Other Love Stories is political and personal, bitter and sweet: ultimately, a lot like love.

~b~>With the winning, upbeat candor that has made her show on of the most popular and honored daytime shows on the air, beloved talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres shares her views on life, love, and American Idol. "I've experienced a whole lot the last few years and I have a lot to share. So I hope that you'll take a moment to sit back, relax and enjoy the words I've put together for you in this book. I think you'll find I've left no stone unturned, no door unopened, no window unbroken, no rug unvacuumed, no ivories untickled. What I'm saying is, let us begin, shall we?" Seriously... I'm Kidding is a lively, hilarious, and often sweetly poignant look at the life of the much-loved entertainer as she opens up about her personal life, her talk show, and more. PRAISE FOR Seriously... I'm Kidding "DeGeneres's amiably oddball riffs on everything from kale to catwalks to Jesus will make fans smile." -- People "Whatever the topic, DeGeneres's compulsively readable style will appeal to fans old and new." - Publishers Weekly "Fans will not be disappointed...[DeGeneres's] trademark wit and openness shine through and through." -- Kirkus/DIVspan

Drawing from her unique journey as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, widow, and friend– author Cecilia B. Mañosa illustrates how life, with its ups and downs, is worth all of it and meant to be savoured as a delightfully treasured gift. Bitter with the Sweet is a pragmatic and poignant collection of enriching messages that invite you to partake in the fullness of life. Looking into everyday themes as time, nature, and technology to bonds with children, family, and friends. As it delves into a deeper understanding of happiness, beauty, forgiveness, and loss, it explores life strides such as nurturing self-care, making decisions, building resilience and reinventing yourself. Using interesting references from contemporary pop culture, Bitter with the Sweet is a tool chest filled with color, truth, and candor, and sprinkled with nuggets of wisdom to take on your own journey, regardless of age. Like having a heart-to-heart with an old friend, this book opens a door to self-awareness and nudges you to ponder your life, relationships, and purpose.

"It is no secret that America is the No Vacation Nation. Our vacations nowadays consist of nothing more than a few long weekends a year...when we're not on staycations. Workplace stress and burnout in America are at all-time highs. That Americans are over-caff einated and sleep deprived is not surprising given that our work-leisure balance is so severely lopsided. Depression is epidemic. Chalmers' estimates that these seemingly isolated, yet wholly interconnected cultural data points cost the U.S. economy a trillion dollars a year in lost productivity...and may be shortening the life spans of Americans too! But it wasn't always like this in America...and it surely doesn't have to be either. A stunningly well-researched book, offering readers an explanation of why Americans are suffering from an acute case of Vacation Deficit Disorder...and what the unintended consequences mean to every American couple, parents, families, workers, bosses, and our nations economy. It explains clearly why Americans dont travel...and why they really should! What really makes humans happy; and offers profound insight into how the lucky few Americans who do take vacations can enjoy them better and reap their life-enhancing benefits. And it passionately explains how all Americans would benefi t from his 4% Solution prescription. This book offers a compelling American centric cultural narrative that explains in great detail and with erudite analysis just who stole our vacation.