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A History of the World in 6 Glasses

From beer to Coca-Cola, the six drinks that have helped shape human history
Throughout human history, certain drinks have done much more than just quench thirst. As Tom Standage relates with authority and charm, six of them have had a surprisingly pervasive influence on the course of history, becoming the defining drink during a pivotal historical period.

A History of the World in 6 Glasses tells the story of humanity from the Stone Age to the 21st century through the lens of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola. Beer was first made in the Fertile Crescent and by 3000 B.C.E. was so important to Mesopotamia and Egypt that it was used to pay wages. In ancient Greece wine became the main export of her vast seaborne trade, helping spread Greek culture abroad. Spirits such as brandy and rum fueled the Age of Exploration, fortifying seamen on long voyages and oiling the pernicious slave trade. Although coffee originated in the Arab world, it stoked revolutionary thought in Europe during the Age of Reason, when coffeehouses became centers of intellectual exchange. And hundreds of years after the Chinese began drinking tea, it became especially popular in Britain, with far-reaching effects on British foreign policy. Finally, though carbonated drinks were invented in 18th-century Europe they became a 20th-century phenomenon, and Coca-Cola in particular is the leading symbol of globalization.

For Tom Standage, each drink is a kind of technology, a catalyst for advancing culture by which he demonstrates the intricate interplay of different civilizations. You may never look at your favorite drink the same way again.

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The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Vol. 3: Early Modern Times, 2nd Edition (9 CDs)

History will never be the same again!

This spirited reading of the first in Susan Wise Bauer’s Story of the World history series brings to life the stories and records of the peoples of ancient times.

Now more than ever, other countries and customs affect our everyday lives-and our children need to learn about the people who live all around the globe. Susan Wise Bauer has provided a captivating guide to the history of the ancient world. Written in an engaging, straightforward manner, The Story of the World weaves world history into a storybook format. This volume covers the major historical events from the years 1600 to 1850—from Elizabeth I to the gold rush in California.

This Story of the World audiobook is a collaboration between Jim Weiss, whose voice has been described as “liquid gold” (CNN-TV), and Susan Wise Bauer, whose writing has been described as “timeless and intelligent” (Publishers Weekly). It may be used along with the print books (The Story of the World Volume 3 Text Book, Activity Book, and Tests; each sold separately), as a supplement to a traditional history curriculum, or independently. Approximately 11 hours on 9 CDs.

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My Beloved World

The first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor has become an instant American icon. Now, with a candor and intimacy never undertaken by a sitting Justice, she recounts her life from a Bronx housing project to the federal bench, a journey that offers an inspiring testament to her own extraordinary determination and the power of believing in oneself.

Here is the story of a precarious childhood, with an alcoholic father (who would die when she was nine) and a devoted but overburdened mother, and of the refuge a little girl took from the turmoil at home with her passionately spirited paternal grandmother. But it was when she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes that the precocious Sonia recognized she must ultimately depend on herself.  She would learn to give herself the insulin shots she needed to survive and soon imagined a path to a different life. With only television characters for her professional role models, and little understanding of what was involved, she determined to become a lawyer, a dream that would sustain her on an unlikely course, from valedictorian of her high school class to the highest honors at Princeton, Yale Law School, the New York County District Attorney’s office, private practice, and appointment to the Federal District Court before the age of forty. Along the way we see how she was shaped by her invaluable mentors, a failed marriage, and the modern version of extended family she has created from cherished friends and their children. Through her still-astonished eyes, America’s infinite possibilities are envisioned anew in this warm and honest book, destined to become a classic of self-invention and self-discovery.

Amazon Best Books of the Month, January 2013: Happily, it is becoming a familiar story: The young, smart, and very hardworking son or daughter of immigrants rises to the top of American professional life. But already knowing the arc of Sonia Sotomayor’s biography doesn’t adequately prepare you for the sound of her voice in this winning memoir that ends, interestingly, before the Yale Law School grad was sworn in as the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice. Hers is a voice that lands squarely between self-deprecating and proud, grateful and defiant; a voice lilted with bits of Puerto Rican poetry; a voice full of anger, sadness, ambition, and love. My Beloved World is one resonant, glorious tale of struggle and triumph. –Sara Nelson

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Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World

Now a New York Times Bestseller!

As a college student he spent 16 days in the Pacific Ocean with five guys and a crate of canned meat. As a father he took his kids on a world tour to eat ice cream with heads of state. He made friends in Uganda, and they liked him so much he became the Ugandan consul. He pursued his wife for three years before she agreed to date him. His grades weren’t good enough to get into law school, so he sat on a bench outside the Dean’s office for seven days until they finally let him enroll. 

Bob Goff has become something of a legend, and his friends consider him the world’s best-kept secret. Those same friends have long insisted he write a book. What follows are paradigm shifts, musings, and stories from one of the world’s most delightfully engaging and winsome people. What fuels his impact? Love. But it’s not the kind of love that stops at thoughts and feelings. Bob’s love takes action. Bob believes Love Does.

When Love Does, life gets interesting. Each day turns into a hilarious, whimsical, meaningful chance that makes faith simple and real. Each chapter is a story that forms a book, a life. And this is one life you don’t want to miss.

Light and fun, unique and profound, the lessons drawn from Bob’s life and attitude just might inspire you to be secretly incredible, too.

Endorsements:

“If this book does not make your heart beat faster, book the next flight to Mayo Clinic!” –Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, Chairman, Willow Creek Association

“Bob Goff is a one-man tsunami of grace, a hurricane of love.  He doesn’t just talk about change, he really is change, as Love Does chronicles in such a vivid way. Yet, Love Does doesn’t leave you feeling like you want to celebrate its author, it awakens a sense deep within that you, too, have an outrageous role to play in God’s unfolding story or rescue and repair.” –Louie Giglio, Passion Conferences/Passion City Church

“An interesting and compelling story (with Young Life roots) that ends with a practical challenge and punch:  ‘love does’ and God can use you to do it!” –Denny Rydberg, President, Young Life

“Every once in a while someone like Bob Goff shows up to remind us that some things matter a lot more than others.  Love Does has a kind of ‘north star’ effect that will push you to refocus your life and energy on what is most significant. It doesn’t just invite you to respond with your God-given potential, it invites you to become a part of what God can do beyond your potential.” –Reggie Joiner, Founder and CEO of Orange

“We liked the book a lot. Mostly, the balloons on the cover. The rest was pretty good too. Lots of stories about how God helps us.” –Aedan, Asher and Skye Peterson ages 13, 12 and 9

“This may look like a book. It’s not. It is an invitation to enter into the greatest adventure you have ever known—your life as it was meant to be lived. Hang on!” –Michael Hyatt,  Author, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World, MichaelHyatt.com

“Bob’s ability to love people brings contagious hope and inspiration wherever he goes. The power of love showcased in this book will surely touch the hearts and souls of many people. Read Love Does and find a friend in one the world’s best hidden secrets, a person who shows how love can create connection and make a difference—even across oceans.” –George Tsereteli, Deputy Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia (former Russian Republic)

“There are some nasty rumors out there about treasure. Mostly that’s it’s buried and needs discovering. Or has to be mined. Or can only be located with a map and a big X. Not so, says the life of Bob Goff. Living from the center of your heart doesn’t have to be complicated or elusive. Love just wakes up in the morning and gets busy loving. The treasure is sitting right there next to the pancakes. About 5 pages in, I knew my life and I were gonna have words.” –Nicole Nordeman, Mother and Musician

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World War Z: The Complete Edition (Movie Tie-In Edition): An Oral History of the Zombie War

  World War Z: The Complete Edition (Movie Tie-in Edition): An Oral History of the Zombie War is a new version of Max Brooks’ episodic zombie novel. The abridged versions of the original stories are now joined with new, unabridged recordings of the episodes that were not included in the original (abridged) version of the audiobook. These additional episodes feature a star-studded cast of narrators to coincide with the upcoming release of the film.

New narrators include Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, Spiderman star Alfred Molina, The Walking Dead creator Frank Darabont, rapper Common, Firefly star Nathan Fillion, Shaun of the Dead’s Simon Pegg, and members of the casts of Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes and more! Max Brooks will be reprising his role as The Interviewer.
The original abridged edition, released in 2006, won an Audie Award for Best Multi-Voiced Performance. Original cast members include Alan Alda, Mark Hamill, Carl & Rob Reiner, and John Turturro.

In this new classic of apocalyptic fiction that feels all too real, the Zombie War came unthinkably close to eradicating humanity. The documentary-style oral history records the testimony of men, women, and sometimes children who came face-to-face with the living, or at least the undead, hell of that dreadful time.

Featuring five more hours of previously unrecorded content, this full-cast recording is read by F. Murray Abraham, Alan Alda, René Auberjonois, Becky Ann Baker, Dennis Boutsikaris, Bruce Boxleitner, Max Brooks, Nicki Clyne, Common, Denise Crosby, Frank Darabont, Dean Edwards, Mark Hamill, Nathan Fillion, Maz Jobrani, Frank Kamai, Michelle Kholos, John McElroy, Ade M’Cormack, Alfred Molina, Parminder Nagra, Ajay Naidu, Masi Oka, Steve Park, Kal Penn, Simon Pegg, Jürgen Prochnow, Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner, Henry Rollins, Jeri Ryan, Jay O. Sanders, Martin Scorsese, Paul Sorvino, David Ogden Stiers, Brian Tee, John Turturro, Eamonn Walker, Ric Young, and Waleed Zuaiter.

©2006 Max Brooks (P)2012 Random House

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She Talks With Angels: A Psychic-Medium’s Guide into the Spirit World

She Talks with Angels tackles controversial subject matter. As a psychic medium, Michelle Whitedove asks the tough questions; What really happens when we die? Do we have Guardian Angels? Is abortion murder? Do we reincarnate? Is our destiny pre-ordained? The author bares witness of a loving God as she steps into the spirit world and relays channeled messages from the heavens that uncover answers to life’s most thought provoking questions.For those who want to improve their life this book teaches, it is ‘our soul’ that seeks fulfillment. This book contains the basic steps to finding inner peace through a personal relationship with the spirit world. It inspires and teaches us that that we are never alone and that our loved ones never die. We live forever.

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Angels: Winged Whispers – True Stories from Angel Experts around the World

Angels are constantly whispering to you – but what if you cannot hear these messages?

Take a spiritual journey with professional Angel Experts from across the globe. Learn to perceive the whispered messages and persistent nudges from Guardian Angels, the Archangels, Animals and Faeries, all awaiting your discovery!

New techniques will help you and your clients experience the deep wisdom and loving power of the angelic realm – to comfort, guide, uplift and heal every aspect of your life!

Learn how to ~ Conduct Sacred Ceremony ~ Discover the Goddess Within ~ Empower your Meditations ~ Step into the Magical Faery Realm ~ Transmute Negative Energy ~ Link Archangels, Crystals & Dreams ~ Meet your Guardian Angel ~ Contact Deceased Loved Ones & Pets.

Contributing Authors ~ Cobie Andrews, Ros Booth, Denise Burant, Maryellen De Vine, Sophia Fairchild, Wendy Gabriel, Claire Jennings, De-Arne King, Debbie Kosabeck, Denise Martin, Orietta Mammarella, Flavia Kate Peters, Belinda Ridley, Robyn Ridley, and Christine Schreibstein.Angels are constantly whispering to you – but what if you cannot hear these messages?

Take a spiritual journey with professional Angel Experts from across the globe. Learn to perceive the whispered messages and persistent nudges from Guardian Angels, the Archangels, Animals and Faeries, all awaiting your discovery!

New techniques will help you and your clients experience the deep wisdom and loving power of the angelic realm – to comfort, guide, uplift and heal every aspect of your life!

Learn how to ~ Conduct Sacred Ceremony ~ Discover the Goddess Within ~ Empower your Meditations ~ Step into the Magical Faery Realm ~ Transmute Negative Energy ~ Link Archangels, Crystals & Dreams ~ Meet your Guardian Angel ~ Contact Deceased Loved Ones & Pets.

Contributing Authors ~ Cobie Andrews, Ros Booth, Denise Burant, Maryellen De Vine, Sophia Fairchild, Wendy Gabriel, Claire Jennings, De-Arne King, Debbie Kosabeck, Denise Martin, Orietta Mammarella, Flavia Kate Peters, Belinda Ridley, Robyn Ridley, and Christine Schreibstein.

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Angels All Around Us: A Sightseeing Guide to the Invisible World

In Angels All Around Us (previously titled The Invisible World in hardcover), the international bestselling author of A Travel Guide to Heaven and Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To explains the awesome and mysterious reality of the spiritual dimension that surrounds and permeates our very existence. All aspects of the spiritual realm are discussed, including the existence of angels and demons, the whereabouts of loved ones who have passed, the gift of grace, heaven, hell, and even the presence and activity of God in our lives.

Completely consistent with traditional Christian teaching, Angels All Around Us will help readers embrace a certitude that makes it easier to act according to their moral beliefs, give them a greater sense of the richness of life, and show them that no amount of suffering-physical, mental, or emotional-will ever be able to destroy the profound sense of inner peace that they can experience on a daily basis.

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Conversations with the Universe: How the World Speaks to Us

Conversations with The Universe: How the World Speaks to Us reveals how repetitions, coincidence and synchronicity are part of a personal conversation from the Universe, intended to provide ease and guidance. We are not alone, nor have we been creating life experiences on our own. There is a co-creative Universal Intelligence who is very much involved and continually seeking a dialogue. The problem is not so much the life challenges, but our own individual lack of communication with our co-creator. A conversation is happening all of the time, but we must open our eyes and ears to it. When we do, an opportunity to reconnect with the lighter side of life ensues. We do not have to get wrapped up in the heaviness. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the issues at hand, we can become aware of the answers and solutions constantly presenting themselves. The Universe wants us to be joyful, have fun, and let go. The synchronicities, symbols, and messages are always intended to guide us. They are there to make us smile, to stop to remember there is more to life than the current object of our perceptions. Instead of having to work things out, we can play them out, yielding more aligned outcomes and a greater experience. When we are able to remember the vast connection that exists, the illusions we live become more and more apparent. Greater awareness of the messages and engagement in the dialogue allows us to laugh with the heavens at ourselves at life and our seriousness.