Unfreeze Your Bird

Bud Davidson recalls his own 25 years of volunteering. Using interviews, the story builds on the experiences of many others that led a small weekend fly-in to become an international multi-million dollar event. Sources include little known debates that are documented in the minutes of Board and Executive Committee meetings. He has compiled a record of the transition from a small membership convention to an internationally recognized exposition some consider the second largest aviation event in the world. The stories related here have been verified by documents and photos portraying the experiences of volunteers who return each year, something many have done for the entire life of this unique event.

From Thanksgiving and Christmas to Super Bowl Sunday, the Fourth of July, and Halloween, holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, not to spend hours working alone in the kitchen. Al Roker is passionate about food and cooking, but he also knows that spending time with his family is more important than preparing a seven-course meal for Easter dinner. In Al Roker's Hassle-Free Holiday Cookbook, Al presents more than 125 simple and casual recipes that will make your holiday gatherings stress free and special. Here are traditional American favorites for every occasion, from no-cook appetizers and simple side dishes to manageable main courses, and of course, plenty of grilling and outdoor food. And Al has the classics covered -- Thanksgiving turkey with gravy, stuffing, and all the trimmings; splendid Christmas fare, including Crown Pork Roast with Fruit Stuffing and scrumptious and quick gift breads and cookies; satisfying Super Bowl Sunday chili and snacks; a romantic Valentine's Day menu for two; and Halloween treats for adults and kids. Enjoy a Fourth of July picnic of Oven-Fried Chicken with Pecan-Cornmeal Crust accompanied by appetizing salads; honor the patron saint of barbecue on St. Lawrence Day with Texas Brisket and Al's fabulous Grilled Glazed Doughnuts with Vanilla Ice Cream; or try a St. Patrick's Day menu of Irish Stew, Soda Bread, and Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce. Al provides his own holiday memories and tells how his family holiday celebrations have evolved over time. There are also a wealth of tips and hints on topics such as how to stock a holiday pantry, carve a turkey, handle leftovers creatively, and cook with kids. Think of Al Roker's Hassle-Free Holiday Cookbook as the one thing you'll need to make each holiday flavorful, easy, and fun -- even for the cook!

Leading kitchen gear experts Lisa McManus and Hannah Crowley share what they really think about Dutch ovens, air fryers, grills, and more in this indispensable handbook for gear heads everywhere The perfect gift for fledgling cooks, newlyweds, cooking nerds, and new homeowners Ever wondered why your knives dull so quickly? Whether it's safe to stand next to a running microwave? If compostable dinnerware is really better for the environment? With its combination of straight-talking, science-backed advice from professional equipment reviewers Lisa McManus and Hannah Crowley, practical how-to guides, engrossing trivia, and beautiful full-color photography, Kitchen Gear is an indispensable source of collected wisdom you won't find anywhere else. Hannah and Lisa's unfiltered takes on which pieces are (and aren't) worth it: Spring for the high-end blender; rethink that knife block. And did you know you can make pour-over coffee with a dollar-store funnel? Improve your cooking with 100+ recipes that teach you what your gear is capable of: Use your sheet pan to make the easiest-ever layer cake. Make crispy fried garnishes in your microwave. Plus, use common tools in creative ways—fully-loaded nachos on the grill, anyone? Answers to all the hows, whys, and "wait, what?"s of your equipment: The question-and-answer format covers everything from frequently asked questions to real head-scratchers. Keep your tools in top condition: Season your pans the right way, de-stinkify silicone ice trays, and finally get that gunk off your toaster oven. Peek behind the scenes: Read all about the zany lengths Lisa, Hannah, and their team will go to for answers—from sawing coolers in half to programming knife-wielding robots. Stock your kitchen with the best of the best: A buying guide points you to the top performers from America's Test Kitchen's rigorous reviews.

Out-far, far, out-beyond where any of your friends have gone, lies Dragondaire. If you were to go there, you would see a world that resembled the human world as it was way back when there were castles, slaves, kings, queens you know the rest. But anybody who lived there long enough would realize the many differences from the world they came from. There would be trees in the shape of people, uncountable fires raging in the woods, and many prisons all around. Most people wouldn't have to eat for days on end, and you might even see a dragon flying high above the trees. Sixteen-year-old Aaden Oaks, a simple farm boy, leaves his home and family in search of fortune and adventure. He and his friends discover a world of adventure as they traverse exotic lands complete with dragons, elves, dwarves, and other magical creatures. Aaden discovers that he has magical powers and quickly learns how to use them. He even finds his own personal dragon. But danger looms on the horizon in an epic battle between good and evil, and there can be only one winner "Brian has an extraordinary writing career and future." -Mark Victor Hansen "Brian is my favorite young author. Amazing work by a fourth grader!!" -Will Wright, co-founder of Maxis, and creator of SimCity, The Sims, and many more.