The book is a gripping tale that explores complex characters and their intertwined lives against a backdrop of significant themes such as love, betrayal, and redemption. Set in a vividly depicted environment, it delves into the emotional struggles and triumphs of its protagonists, offering readers a deep connection to their journeys. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the characters' fates. Rich in detail and insight, it promises a compelling reading experience that resonates on multiple levels.
San Francisco, 1947. Bartender Sammy "Two Toes" Tiffin and the rest of the Cookie's Coffee Irregulars--a ragtag bunch of working mugs last seen in Noir--are on the hustle: they're trying to open a driving school; shanghai an abusive Swedish stevedore; get Mable, the local madam, and her girls to a Christmas party at the State Hospital without alerting the overzealous head of the S.F.P.D. vice squad; all while Sammy's girlfriend, Stilton (a.k.a. the Cheese), and her "Wendy the Welder" gal pals are using their wartime shipbuilding skills on a secret project that might be attracting the attention of some government Men in Black. And, oh yeah, someone is murdering the city's drag kings and club owner Jimmy Vasco is sure she's next on the list and wants Sammy to find the killer. Meanwhile, Eddie "Moo Shoes" Shu has been summoned by his Uncle Ho to help save his opium den from Squid Kid Tang, a vicious gangster who is determined to retrieve a priceless relic: an ancient statue of the powerful Rain Dragon that Ho stole from one of the fighting tongs forty years earlier. And if Eddie blows it, he just might call down the wrath of that powerful magical creature on all of Fog City
Set against a backdrop of art and history, the narrative explores the allure of a vibrant blue pigment, reminiscent of the Virgin Mary's cloak. This captivating hue draws artists into a world filled with danger, adventure, and the supernatural. As they navigate the complexities of creativity and obsession, the story delves into the mysteries surrounding this exquisite color, intertwining themes of inspiration and the darker sides of artistic ambition.
Set adrift by his pirate crew, Pocket of Dog Snogging--last seen in The Serpent of Venice--washes up on the sun-bleached shores of Greece, where he hopes to dazzle the Duke with his comedic brilliance and become his trusted fool. But the island is in turmoil. Egeus, the Duke's minister, is furious that his daughter Hermia is determined to marry Demetrius, instead of Lysander, the man he has chosen for her. The Duke decrees that if, by the time of the wedding, Hermia still refuses to marry Lysander, she shall be executed . . . or consigned to a nunnery. Pocket, being Pocket, cannot help but point out that this decree is complete bollocks, and that the Duke is an egregious weasel for having even suggested it. Irritated by the fool's impudence, the Duke orders his death. With the Duke's guards in pursuit, Pocket makes a daring escape. He soon stumbles into the wooded realm of the fairy king Oberon, who, as luck would have it, IS short a fool. His jester Robin Goodfellow--the mischievous sprite better known as Puck--was found dead. Murdered. Oberon makes Pocket an offer he can't refuse: he will make Pocket his fool and have his death sentence lifted if Pocket finds out who killed Robin Goodfellow. But as anyone who is even vaguely aware of the Bard's most performed play ever will know, nearly every character has a motive for wanting the mischievous sprite dead. With too many suspects and too little time, Pocket must work his own kind of magic to find the truth, save his neck, and ensure that all ends well
Exploring the experience of being hospitalized later in life, this innovative non-fiction book combines humor and realism to guide readers through the journey of a hospital stay. Drawing from personal experiences following a stroke, the author highlights the often-overlooked roles of various hospital staff and the absurdities of ward life. The narrative unfolds chronologically, detailing everything from pre-admission to after-care, making it particularly relevant for those over fifty or anyone apprehensive about hospitalization.
Teach your students how to think like scientists. This book shows you practical ways to incorporate science thinking in your classroom using simple Thinking Tasks that you can insert into any lesson. What is science thinking and how can you possibly teach and assess it? How is science thinking incorporated into the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and how can it be weaved into your curriculum? This book answers these questions.This practical book provides a clear, research-verified framework for helping students develop scientific thinking as required by the NGSS. Your students will not be memorizing content but will become engaged in the real work scientists do, using critical thinking patterns such as:Recognizing patterns,Inventing new hypotheses based on observations,Separating causes from correlations,Determining relevant variables and isolating them,Testing hypotheses, andThinking about their own thinking and the relative value of evidence.The book includes a variety of sample classroom activities and rubrics, as well as frameworks for creating your own tools. Designed for the busy teacher, this book also shows you quick and simple ways to add deep science thinking to existing lessons.
