New Releases by Patrick Regan

A novel approach to the heating and actuation of shape memory polymer using dispersed Curie temperature thermo-regulated particles is proposed. Such a material has potential applications in medical devices which are delivered via catheters. A variety of tests were performed to determine the feasibility of this new approach to shape memory polymer actuation. Calorimetry tests were performed to quantify heat generation of various Nickel Zinc Ferrite particles. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), tensile strain recovery tests, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to measure the mechanical effects of various particle volume contents and sizes on shape memory polymer. These tests suggest that the proposed method of actuation is very feasible, rapid heating can be achieved and the addition of particles up to 10% volume content has a minimal effect on the mechanical properties of the shape memory polymer.

Snips and snails and puppy dog tails& that s how the old nursery rhyme goes, but parents know that a baby boy is made of so much more. In this companion book to Sugar & Spice, illustrator Becky Kelly and writer Patrick Regan have once again teamed up to create a perfect gift for new parents" but this time it s all about the boys. Spirited and sprightly, the extraordinary illustrations and charming text capture all the boisterous joy that bouncing baby boys bring into the world.

If you have a friend or relative or even someone in your office that is feeling a little under the weather and needs some cheering up, let Mary Engelbreits new gift book, Take Good Care, do the cheering up for you. Being sick and stuck in bed is no fun for anyone, but this book, filled with light-hearted text and Marys classic images shown at a larger size, is sure to make anyone whos feeling a little green feel good in no time.

Life is filled with twists and turns that can leave us confused about which way to go. This little book from Mary Engelbreit reminds us that the answers to life''s difficult questions can usually be found within ourselves.

Sometimes saying the words "thank you" to someone who has said or done something nice for you just doesn''t seem to be enough. Inside these pages you''ll find Mary''s colorful artwork joined with verse that says "thanks for everything you''ve done."

To adequate evaluate the effectiveness of interventions into civil conflicts we need to account for the complex combination of conditions and strategies that can utilized by the intervener. I argue that an effective strategy should incorporate the initial conditions that lead to the conflict, as well as the type of actions taken by the intervener. That is, an intervener can attempt to influence the course of a conflict through discrete forms of interventions, or can use the options available in combinations. Using a duration model I demonstrate the combinations of military or economic interventions with diplomacy significantly reduce the duration of a conflict considerably beyond what any individual strategy might do. Further, particular strategies for intervening have different outcomes depending on whether they are initiated into ethno-religious or ideological conflicts. The results have theoretical implications involving the role of third party influence in domestic conflict, and policy implications in terms of how to best effectively articulate a method of conflict management in civil conflicts.

Arguably the most recognizable and influential comedy team of all time, The Three Stooges have been making the world laugh since 1930. For four decades, beginning in the ''30s, The Three Stooges were kings of the box office-first in a series of legendary comic shorts for Columbia and later in a string of successful feature films. In all, they made over 200 films! Half a century later, the act is still knocking them dead. Demand for The Three Stooges is so strong that their films can currently be seen every day of the week on cable TV-bringing the manic comic genius of Moe, Larry, and Curly to a whole new generation of delighted fans. These two new books pair vintage black and white photos from The Three Stooges''s incredible film archive with short and snappy text that celebrates fathers and birthdays. "Why, I Oughta . . ." is an encouraging little reminder that getting older doesn''t have to be so painful. ("Even if some of us aren''t as curly as we used to be"), and Pop, You''re "Poifect" pays tribute to dear old dad. Written to be given as a gift to dad, it offers an apology for the trials kids put parents through ("I know that there were nights when I kept you awake with worry, and days I probably made you pull out your hair in frustration-especially grade card days.") and words of thanks ("So thanks for all the times you''ve bailed me out-not literally, of course-not yet"). The words work in perfect tandem with the slapstick shots of The Three Stooges in action-and the net result is two books sure to delight Stooges fans new and old. So, will these books be a hit? "Soitenly!"

Syndicated journalist Georgie Anne Geyer calls on her nearly forty years of experience covering Latin America to create an extraordinary biography that reveals the untold story of Fidel Castro, revolutionary and demagogue. Based on hundreds of interviews and unique sources-including four extensive personal interviews with Castro-Guerilla Prince is an intimate and revealing portrait, charged with all the electricity of the charismatic leader.In this updated edition, Ms. Geyer presents new insights and addresses the changes since the 1991 release of Guerilla Prince in hardcover-the collapse of the Soviet Union, the internal unrest, and the growing anticipation of a post-Castro Cuba.

There''s wonder and magic in Christmas, and this little book from illustrator Becky Kelly captures it perfectly. And Then In A Twinkling offers both a celebration of the season and a gentle reminder to keep the true spirit of Christmas in our hearts. Becky''s ethereal and radiant watercolors illustrate an upbeat and inspiring message written in rhyming verse, like: "Don''t miss the wonder, while lost in to-dos, because, in a twinkling...this day will be through." This beautiful little book is sure to be a holiday favorite for years to come. Author''s web site: www.beckykelly.com/

Andrews McMeel gift books come in all shapes and sizes and are designed to please. With colorful art, best-selling authors, and charming titles, you are sure to find something special for all of your accounts.

Life''s greatest pleasures are often found in its simplest moments. Becky Kelly has a unique talen for recognizing these moments and turning them into heartwarming watercolor illustrations. This little book is a charming reminder to live life fully. Author''s web site: www.beckykelly.com/

You know that wonderful feeling you get when you accomplish a task you''ve been avoiding, delaying, or tiptoeing around'' Wouldn''t it be great to have that feeling every day'' Now can show you how. This simple but inspiring book reminds us that there are countless little acts that we can accomplish every day-little lingering things that we can banish from our minds, making room for the more important stuff.For example: o Consolidate the ketchup bottles, now.o Send those thank-you notes, now. It''s never too late.o Get three competitive bids on your car insurance, now.o Put loose pictures in a photo album, now.o Fierce competition among retailers has made nearly everything returnable. If you don''t like the blouse/skirt/couch, return it now. (The swimsuit, you''re stuck with.)With glints of sly humor, clever illustrations, and surprising insight, Now reminds us that what we accomplish needn''t be earth shattering in scope or life altering in importance. The beauty of now is simple. Now removes nagging concerns from your consciousness. Now gives you little victories every day. Now liberates you and allows you to move on.Now, doesn''t that sound good''

A metal Coke bottle attached to ribbon bookmark.

A collection of charming artwork divided into three sections, this gift book, which contains Engelbreit''s stunning signature illustrations, its own slipcase, and a package of confetti, is sure to make a great gift for that special someone. 54 illustrations.

Author Engelbreit gathers her favorite Halloween art, stories, facts and recipes for a treasury of scary and fun holiday treats. Illustrations.

Know someone feeling blue'' Mickey and crew provide words of support and encouragement in this book that can perk up anyone who''s feeling down.

Mary Engelbreit: The Art and the Artist follows this amazing artist''s career from the moment she first set up shop (a "studio" in her mother''s linen closet), and on to her current status as the world''s premier illustrator of greeting cards, books, calendars, coffee mugs, and hundreds of other products. This book features the most extensive collection of Mary Engelbreit''s work ever published, and it represents nearly 40 years of Mary''s art. The new paperback version features a revised preface.

This book argues that the militarization of a society is a process, a sociological phenomenon, that has a life of its own and that feeds upon itself.