In the 1980s, a wave of Chinese from Fujian province began arriving in America. Like other immigrant groups before them, they showed up with little money but with an intense work ethic and an unshakeable belief in the promise of the United States. Many of them lived in a world outside the law, working in a shadow economy overseen by the ruthless gangs that ruled the narrow streets of New York's Chinatown. The figure who came to dominate this Chinese underworld was a middle-aged grandmother known as Sister Ping. Her path to the American dream began with an unusual business run out of a tiny noodle store on Hester Street. From her perch above the shop, Sister Ping ran a full-service underground bank for illegal Chinese immigrants. But her real business - a business that earned an estimated $40 million - was smuggling people. As a "snakehead", she built a complex and often vicious global conglomerate, relying heavily on familial ties, and employing one of Chinatown's most violent gangs to protect her power and profits. Like an underworld CEO, Sister Ping created an intricate smuggling network that stretched from Fujian Province to Hong Kong to Burma to Thailand to Kenya to Guatemala to Mexico. Her ingenuity and drive were awe-inspiring both to the Chinatown community, where she was revered as a homegrown Don Corleone, and to the law enforcement officials who could never quite catch her.Indeed, Sister Ping's empire only came to light in 1993 when the Golden Venture, a ship loaded with 300 undocumented immigrants, ran aground off a Queens beach. It took New York's fabled "Jade Squad" and the FBI nearly 10 years to untangle the criminal network and home in on its unusual mastermind.The Snakehead is a panoramic tale of international intrigue and a dramatic portrait of the underground economy in which America's 12 million illegal immigrants live. Read more

Imagine spending your days unraveling the mysteries of family histories and getting paid for it. For many genealogy enthusiasts, this dream is becoming reality. A passion for tracing lineage, once just a hobby, can indeed blossom into a thriving home-based business. Consider the story of one avid family historian who started out helping friends piece together their family trees as a pastime. Before long, word-of-mouth referrals had him researching for paying clients. What began at his kitchen table evolved into a full-fledged genealogy service, reconnecting families with long-lost relatives and generating a steady income. He’s not alone—real people across the country are turning their love of genealogy into successful enterprises, combining personal fulfillment with financial gain. This book is about helping you do the same. By the time you finish reading, you’ll see how your journey “from roots to revenue” can become your story too.Follow Your Passion Daily: Spend your work hours doing what genuinely interests you – researching history, sleuthing through records, and talking about genealogy. Every project is a new adventure.Help Others in a Meaningful Way: You’ll provide a service that deeply touches people’s lives. Clients often describe genealogy findings as priceless gifts. You become the storyteller who gives families a sense of identity and continuity.Flexible Work-Life Balance: Be your own boss and set a schedule that suits you. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or seasonally, you have control. It’s an ideal arrangement for those who need flexibility or want to work from the comfort of home.Low Startup Costs: Unlike many businesses, a home-based genealogy venture doesn’t require a huge investment. If you have a computer, an internet connection, and some genealogy experience, you have the essentials. (There are tools and subscriptions that help, which we’ll cover, but the barrier to entry is relatively low.)Continuous Learning: If you love genealogy, you likely love learning. This career keeps you on your toes intellectually – you’ll constantly discover new historical facts, improve your research techniques, and perhaps delve into genetic science. It’s hard to get bored when each client’s case is a fresh puzzle.Growing Market: As discussed above, interest in genealogy is booming. This isn’t a fad likely to fade next year. Family history is enduring, and new technologies (DNA, digitized archives, etc.) are making it easier and more popular every day. The growth of the market means new opportunities for those ready to jump in.Embrace the Journey: Your Opportunity AwaitsGenealogy is experiencing a golden era, and you stand at the doorstep of opportunity. The tools have never been more accessible, the public’s interest never higher, and the community of professional genealogists never more welcoming. The fact that you’ve picked up this book indicates you have a spark—both an entrepreneurial spark and a love for family history. Now it’s time to fan that spark into a flame.As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that every expert was once a beginner. The celebrated genealogists you might know, or the entrepreneurs running successful ancestry research firms, all started where you are now: with a passion, a bit of courage, and the willingness to learn.Your journey from roots to revenue starts now. Purchase this book and let’s begin turning your passion for genealogy into a rewarding, home-grown business adventure. The opportunity is here and it’s yours for the taking—let’s get started! Read more

This book is designed for families who understand that wealth is something to be nurtured, not merely enjoyed. It offers a practical roadmap for cultivating "Wealth Gravitas"—a profound sense of financial responsibility, respect and foresight that empowers families to preserve and grow their wealth for generations to come._________________________________________________________________________________________________Margaret Sucré-Vail is an investment advisor representative, Founder and Principal of Sucré-Vail Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm. She is a specialist in wealth management services for high-income professionals and high-net-worth (HNW) clients, with more than 40 years of experience in finance, insurance and investment services. In 1982, she began in the insurance industry and immediately knew she had a passion for working with people to ensure that they were protected from unnecessary risk. There, her deep passion and commitment to the industry were born. She made her debut in the financial services industry in 1987. Margaret completed her Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA) designation through the College for Financial Planning, as well as the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation. She has also received extensive specialized training in the psychology of financial decision-making for healthcare professionals, giving her a unique perspective on the emotional and behavioral aspects of wealth. Margaret’s expertise in risk management, wealth psychology and legacy planning, serves as a guiding force for high-income professionals and HNW clients seeking f inancial stability and long-term family wealth stewardship. According to Margaret, “Now more than ever, high-income professionals and high-net-worth (HNW) clients need full-service wealth management solutions that provide security without unnecessary risk. As advocates for our clients, we take that responsibility seriously.” Margaret believes life is like riding a bike—balance is key. Use training wheels if needed, fix your own flats and never ride alone. Wealth, like life, isn’t a race—it’s a journey meant to be enjoyed, preserved and shared. Read more

Finish your basement or deck out your garage with up-to-date advice and photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions from a trusted brand. In BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Finishing Basements and Garages 3rd Edition, you’ll find a deep dive into various projects that will help you make the most of your home. This new edition includes:   A new gallery of basement designs Sample floor plans for basements How to create your own full-service home workspace Newly integrated section and projects for the garage Heal cracks in your foundation wall, pest-proof your basement, install a mini-split system, and so much more. With this BLACK+DECKER title, you’ll find information on:   Basement designs and floor plans: Want to finish your basement, but don’t know where to start? Find guidance and all-new galleries of inspiration for finishes.  Installation: New in this edition, you can learn how to install a prefab straight-run staircase and use epoxy or lay rubber floor tiling to finish cement floors. You’ll also find updated sections on everything from creating office spaces to media rooms. The “ground-level basement”: More interested in creating a workshop in your garage? Well, now you can! With this specialty section and newly integrated projects and tips, you can learn the best ways to get the garage you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re already underway creating a new addition to your house or looking for a guide to get your creative juices flowing, this book is a great fit. Read more

The Hudson Valley is a breath of fresh air: explore historic estates, hike wild mountain terrain, and bask in small-town charm with Moon Hudson Valley & the Catskills. Inside you'll find:Strategic, flexible itineraries, from day trips from New York City to week-long road trips, designed for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, art-lovers, foodies, and more Must-see highlights and unique experiences: Cycle along rolling hills and quiet country roads, hike to rushing waterfalls, hit the slopes in the winter, or discover the best spots to see the striking fall foliage. Take a tour of Washington Irving's romantic home, admire the historic Kykuit Estate, go antiquing in Cold Spring Village, or stroll through Sleepy Hollow. Take a cooking class at the Culinary Institute of America, browse for produce at a local farmers market, sip your way along a Hudson Valley wine trail, or savor innovative cuisine at a farm-to-table restaurant The best hikes in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, with trail descriptions, elevation gains, and trailheads Honest advice from Catskills native Nikki Goth Itoi on when to go, where to eat, and where to stay, from full-service resorts and historic inns to secluded cabins and campsites Full-color photos and detailed maps throughoutThorough background on the culture, weather, wildlife, and history, plus how to get there and get aroundWith Moon Hudson Valley & the Catskills' practical tips and local know-how, you can plan your trip your way. Exploring more of the Northeast? Check out Moon New England Road Trip. Headed to the Big Apple? Try Moon New York City Walks. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.  For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.  Read more

At thirteen, as the oldest of five children, Ann feels an obligation to contribute to her family's income. She realizes there is only so much her widowed mother can do alone to support their family, so Ann bravely steps into the role of an adult, working full-time in service to a wealthy family uptown. In 1913, in her Pennsylvania coal town, quitting school early to help support the family is a common rite of passage.Ann has grown up poor, so she knows what it means to sacrifice her own desires for others. Often, girls of the early 20th century took whatever menial work they could find to supplement their famiy's income. They cooked, cleaned, did laundry, or took care of other people's children. Factories and mills snapped others up as cheap child labor, because these girls were smaller and quicker than adults and didn't need to be paid as much. In the early 20th century women had very few rights, and female children had none.But, in the mansion, Ann meets the class differences and modern conveniences that separate her family's shabby neighborhood of mine-owned company houses and the luxuries her wealthy employers take for granted. Ann and several other female servants in the mansion share all the trials and adventures of teenage life and love as they adjust to their new "big girl" roles. At the same time, they are experiencing the culture shock of living between rich versus poor and child versus adult. In the process, Ann decides that she never wants to be so poor again. In the big house on the hill, Ann and her new friends find help and support from unexpected sources. They discover that people everywhere are just people, and we all must help each other. Read more

The Hudson Valley is a breath of fresh air: explore historic estates, hike wild mountain terrain, and bask in small-town charm with Moon Hudson Valley & the Catskills. Inside you'll find:Strategic, flexible itineraries, from day trips from New York City to week-long road trips and a 6-day bike tour, designed for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, art-lovers, foodies, and moreMust-see highlights and unique experiences: Bike along rolling hills and quiet country roads, hike to rushing waterfalls, hit the slopes in the winter, or discover the best spots to see the striking fall foliage. Take a tour of Washington Irving's romantic home, admire the historic Rockefeller Estate, go antiquing in Cold Spring Village, or stroll through Sleepy Hollow. Take a cooking class at the Culinary Institute of America, browse the produce at a farmers market, sip your way along a Hudson Valley wine trail, or savor local cuisine at a farm-to-table restaurantThe best hikes in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, with detailed maps, mileage and difficulty ratingsHonest advice from Catskills native Nikki Goth Itoi on when to go, where to eat, and where to stay, from full-service resorts and historic inns to secluded cabins and campsites Full-color photos and detailed maps throughoutThorough background on the culture, weather, wildlife, and history, plus how to get there and get aroundWith Moon's practical tips and local know-how, you can experience the Hudson Valley and the Catskills your way.Exploring more of the Northeast? Check out Moon New England. Headed to the Big Apple? Try Moon New York City or Moon New York Walks. Read more

Honest and Outspoken Advice from the Unofficial ExpertsThe Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2020 by Seth Kubersky is packed with detailed, specific information on every ride, show, and restaurant in the resort. The guide includes info on where to find the cheapest Universal Orlando admission tickets, how to save big on Universal on-site hotel rooms and skip the regular lines in the parks, when to visit Universal Orlando for the lightest crowds, and everything else you need to know for a stress-free Universal Orlando experience.Comprehensive reviews: In-depth critical assessments of every attraction, including the new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike AdventureTouring Plans: Patented, field-tested touring plans that literally save you hours in lineHotel recommendations: An up close look at each Universal resort hotel and how to get the most out of on-site benefits such as Early Park AdmissionDining guide: Ratings and reviews of more than 80 restaurants, including all full-service eateries at the parks and at CityWalkInvaluable advice: Best times of year to visit and how to get around the lines, with details on Universal’s exciting seasonal events such as Halloween Horror Nights and Mardi GrasThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Complete coverage of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, with updated tips for experiencing the Escape from Gringotts and Forbidden Journey ridesSneak peeks: Learn about the new value-priced Endless Summer Resort OVER 6 MILLION UNOFFICIAL GUIDES SOLD!“A Tourist’s Best Friend!”―Chicago Sun-Times“Indispensable”―The New York Times Read more

There are a lot of books about how to be a great motivational speaker, but nothing like this book that showcases 88 international public speakers on a mission to create more success for more people every day. Great books work on many levels – and that is true of the Motivational Speakers book series. Learn more about enormously successful motivational speakers, such as Brian Tracy, Les Brown, Mike Koenigs and Lisa Sasevich and world champions and super achievers. Motivational speaking is not just about financial success. A truly great Motivational speaker encourages you to reach your full psychological and economic potential. The keynote speakers in Motivational Speakers America range the spectrum from giving excellent business advice, inspiration for living well, and practical, actionable advice on performance for success.Every one of today's motivational masters was once an unknown, struggling to develop their careers while engaging in challenging, time-consuming research and study of the motivational superstars that inspired them. Read this book, learn their secrets, and use these lessons to reach your fullest potential.Are you a Motivational or Keynote Speaker, interested in learning from and being inspired by the best in the industry? Do you run events and want to save time and energy and find great keynote or motivational speakers for your meetings, functions and team trainings? As a full-service Speakers Agency Celebrity Experts has put together this collection of talented speakers and trainers from America and around the world, for you to use as a handy reference and booking guide.Motivational Speakers America represents many of the world’s top Keynote speakers, Motivational speakers, Health speakers and experts, Wealth and economics speakers, Business speakers and trainers, World-class athletes, Cultural Icons, Leadership, Communications, Relationships speakers and trainers, International World Champions, Innovation and Success speakers, Preeminent thought-leaders, Celebrities and Award Winners, and Best Selling Authors.Many of them are featured in this book, enjoy their advice and stories and be inspired!- Keynote speakers- Motivational speakers- Health speakers and experts - Wealth and economics speakers- Business speakers and trainers - World-class athletes- Leadership, Communications, - Cultural Icons- Relationships Speakers & trainers- International World Champions- Innovation and Success speakers- Pre-eminent thought-leaders- Celebrities and Award Winners- Best Selling Authors Read more

The ultimate insider's guide to Calgary - for locals and experienced travelersFeatures interesting and unusual places not found in traditional travel guidesPart of the international 111 Places/111 Shops series with over 250 titles and 1.5 million copies in print worldwideAppeals to both the local market (more than 1.3 million people call Calgary home) and the tourist market (nearly 7 million people visit Calgary every year!)Fully illustrated with 111 full-page color photographs111 Places in Calgary That You Must Not Miss takes you on adventures across a city that is full of secrets and surprises. Walk in the footsteps of Calgary's most flamboyant, diamond-covered madam. Pay homage at the grave of the region's first Black cowboy, who became a legendary rancher. And meet the chef at the helm of the city's only full-service restaurant serving Indigenous cuisine. Learn about the birth of the Caesar – Calgarians know it's neither an emperor nor a salad, but Canada's most beloved cocktail. Discover the magic of Stampede Park when the rodeo is not in town. Beware of a ghostly lady who haunts a historic mansion. And find out if you're brave enough to try a mouthful of prairie oysters.Grab your toque, your sunscreen, and a friend, and go exploring. Calgary's true energy is all around you. Read more

Miracle in the Mara is the true story of a boy’s dream that becomes a reality through determination, some unlikely connections, and a lot of hard and effective work. In doing so, the Mara Napa Camps and the Conservation and Education Center have become a source of great congregations of both guests and native Maasai in learning new skills and about the native heritage.The Maasai Mara is located in the southwest corner of Kenya, and is the passageway for the great annual animal migration between Kenya and the Serengeti, Tanzania. What makes this book more comprehensive is that the author was able to spend his third visit to Kenya as the only guest at Mara Napa Camps. He was fortunate to interview many of the staff. He then developed some interesting side-bar stories that are interconnected to the main theme of man’s coexistence with nature and the animals who have inhabited these lands for centuries. Any earlier misconception the author might have had about the Maasai tribe is clearly rectified in his descriptions of their heritage, their history within their own country, and how they survived and are now thriving in these lands of the Mara. Should you ever get the opportunity to visit the Mara Napa Camps, go on safari to see the bountiful amount of animals in their natural habitat, and then be treated like royalty—both in the bar/lounge/dining room and in the exquisite, elegant tents with full service. Don’t pass up the chance. Every breathtaking moment will be exhilarating. Read more