"I think you were born to love, and you do it beautifully." Under the summer sun, in a small seaside town in South Italy, nineteen-year-old James meets the man of his dreams. Roberto is gorgeous, fun, sweet… and very taken. James has no delusions about their friendship; he knows love couldn't possibly happen to him. Roberto is full of doubts about his relationship. He knows something is missing in his life and he's not expecting to find that something in James, his new American neighbor. But if something were to happen, only the sea, the sand and the stars can know. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Book 1 in the Italian Romance series by Elen Chase

Marie Marvingt (1875-1963) set the world's first women's aviation records, won the only gold medal for outstanding performance in all sports, invented the airplane ambulance, was the first female bomber pilot in history, fought in World War I disguised as a man, took part in the Resistance of World War II, was the first to survive crossing the English Channel in a balloon, worked all her life as a journalist, spent years in North Africa and invented metal skis. Her life story was so unusually rich in exploits and accomplishments that some dismissed it as a hoax. This biography explores the life of "the most incredible woman since Joan of Arc" and investigates the reasons she has been forgotten. Known as the "fiancee of danger," she was the model for the silent film series The Perils of Pauline.

"South-Sea Idyls" is a collection of poems written by Charles Warren Stoddard. Published in 1873, the book reflects Stoddard's experiences and impressions during his travels through the South Pacific islands. Charles Warren Stoddard (1843–1909) was an American author, poet, and travel writer. In "South-Sea Idyls," Stoddard likely captures the beauty, culture, and atmosphere of the South Pacific islands, offering readers a poetic exploration of the region. The collection may include verses that evoke the tropical landscapes, indigenous cultures, and the unique charm of the South Seas. Stoddard's work often romanticized and celebrated the exotic allure of the Pacific islands. For readers interested in 19th-century poetry, travel literature, and depictions of the South Pacific, "South-Sea Idyls" by Charles Warren Stoddard provides a poetic journey into the enchanting landscapes and cultures of the region.

Never underestimate the impact that your words and actions have on the lives of others. Consider the sea star tossed on the beach by an errant wave and now stranded far from an environment that supports it. Perhaps an individual finds that sea star and takes the time to place it back into the sea so it can continue its lifes journey. Neither sea star nor sea star thrower recognizes how that encounter has affected both of their lives. At one time or another, we all are like sea stars, washed up on an unfamiliar beach, totally outside of the comfort we have known, going nowhere, and struggling to survive. Then some forcewhether fate or someones handgives us another chance to grow and live. Something has changed and we are moving forward again. These tales depict both sea stars and those who return them to the sea, offering hope for the future and reminding us of times when we experienced the helping hands of others. This collection of short stories celebrates those who find themselves out of their depths and the people who reach out to help them.

"You are the one thing in my life right now that makes sense" Marco has one goal: break up with his not-quite sugar daddy by the end of the day. He’s determined to end it as much as the older man is determined to keep him under his thumb. Luís is having a bad day. They usually know better than to stick their nose into other people’s business but when they hear the man at the next table patronizing his young boyfriend, they just can’t let it go and get involved in the worst possible way. The fact that the young man looks vaguely familiar is certainly a coincidence. And the attraction between them surely won’t lead to anything. They could be friends at best. Just friends. But do “just friends” look at each other like that? Content warning: the book includes depictions of narcissistic abuse, sexual assaul, attempted rape

Since 1972, scientists from all over the world working on fundamental questions of echinoderm biology and palaeontology have conferred every three years to exchange current views and results. The 11th International Echinoderm Conference held at the University of Munich, Germany, from 6-10 October 2003,continued this tradition. This volume

I began teaching a course on whiteness more than fifteen years ago. After teaching various race-relations courses for some thirty-five years, it dawned upon me that the emphasis was on the wrong variable. Whiteness contributed to many social problems, but much greater stress was placed on blackness. From early college, on talking about race, practically no emphasis was placed on whiteness. As I researched and thought about it, I could see that whiteness was a larger descriptive and explanatory variable than had been given attention. Having to write my own text and other materials for the class, the present work is continuing emphasis on trying to understand why and how whiteness became such a trying and problematic subject.