Details what to look for in a Beanie Baby and offers suggestions on how to buy, sell, trade, care for, and display them

As the ultimate book for every Beanie Baby collector and fan, this guide includes descriptions and value estimates for active and retired Beanies and Teenie Beanies.

"There has never been a craze like Beanie Babies. The $5 beanbag animals with names like Seaweed the Otter and Gigi the Poodle drove a large swath of America into a greed-fueled frenzy as they chased the rarest Beanie Babies, whose values escalated weekly in the late 1990s. Just as strange as the mass hysteria was the man behind it. Sometimes called the "Steve Jobs of plush" by his employees, he obsessed over every detail of every animal his company ever released. He had no marketing budget and no connections, but he had something more valuable - an intuitive grasp of human psychology that would make him the richest man in the history of toys. The Great Beanie Baby Bubble is a classic American story of people winning and losing vast fortunes chasing what one dealer remembers as "the most spectacular dream ever sold.""--Back cover.

'Knitting has replaced networking as the hippest after-hours occupation.' So says Vogue. Everyone from Julia Roberts to Russell Crowe has been spotted with knitting needles in their hands - knitting has never been trendier. Many new knitters come to the craft when they find themselves wanting to knit something for a new baby, so this is the perfect handbook. It's packed with basic instructions, from how to cast on and get the tension right to simple shaping and the key knitting stitches -all accompanied by detailed colour illustrations. Fifteen stylish, accessible knitting patterns, from designs for baby blankets and bootees to simple cardigans and sweaters, then allow you to put your new crafting skills into practice.

Revised and updated, this new edition clearly explains all the basic information everyone in this age group needs to begin planning their personal finances or enhance their current financial plan to yield better returns on their investments, including completely new material on. Topics Covered Internet banking Budget for spiraling food and fuel costs College loans management Effective 401(k) and retirement planning Debit and prepaid credit cards Tips about online car shopping Online college degrees and what they can get you Investment strategies for the next decade Home-based employment opportunities Financial effects of changing job Financial impact of marriage and children Home ownership options from building your own to townhouses and condos Online mortgage brokers Fully updated resources

National bestselling book: Featured on Midwest, Mountain Plains, New Atlantic, Northern, Pacific Northwest and Southern Regional Indie Bestseller Lists Perfect book for the birder and anti-birder alike A humorous look at 50 common North American dumb birds: For those who have a disdain for birds or bird lovers with a sense of humor, this snarky, illustrated handbook is equal parts profane, funny, and—let's face it—true. Featuring common North American birds, such as the White-Breasted Butt Nugget and the Goddamned Canada Goose (or White-Breasted Nuthatch and Canada Goose for the layperson), Matt Kracht identifies all the idiots in your backyard and details exactly why they suck with humorous, yet angry, ink drawings. With The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America, you won't need to wonder what all that racket is anymore! • Each entry is accompanied by facts about a bird's (annoying) call, its (dumb) migratory pattern, its (downright tacky) markings, and more. • The essential guide to all things wings with migratory maps, tips for birding, musings on the avian population, and the ethics of birdwatching. • Matt Kracht is an amateur birder, writer, and illustrator who enjoys creating books that celebrate the humor inherent in life's absurdities. Based in Seattle, he enjoys gazing out the window at the beautiful waters of Puget Sound and making fun of birds. "There are loads of books out there for bird lovers, but until now, nothing for those that love to hate birds. The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America fills the void, packed with snarky illustrations that chastise the flying animals in a funny, profane way. " – Uncrate A humorous animal book with 50 common North American birds for people who love birds and also those who love to hate birds • A perfect coffee table or bar top conversation-starting book • Makes a great Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthday, or retirement gift

An exploration of the fast food industry in the United States, from its roots to its long-term consequences.