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A short story about a boy who had his dream come true in the most unexpected way. It's a thrilling short story that's going to interest many at times like this.

Bidú Sayao was a renowned, world-famous opera singer in the midtwentieth century. In his meticulously researched biography Bidú Sayao: Passion and Determination, Denis Allan Daniel provides a fascinating insight into this Brazilian operatic star with never-before-revealed details about her life. It is stated that "she was not pleased with any biography about her and therefore decided to write her autobiography but this never materialized." This book admirably supplies the definitive biography of this diminutive diva. The first chapter explains her family background in Rio de Janeiro and how and why she began having singing lessons. Chapter two deals with the exact date and place of Bidú's birth. Painstaking research eventually discovered a birth certificate to end any conjecture. The third chapter details her travels abroad, designed to perfect her singing voice and to gain the experience required of singing in operas. Chapter four concerns her early reviews and triumphs abroad. In 1936, she signs a contract with the Metropolitan Opera. However, when returning to Brazil, she is booed at the Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilians, at the time, liked their stars to remain in Brazil and not become "Americanized." The fifth chapter illustrates the influence of Toscanini and how he supported her in gaining roles at the Met and how she won over the severe New York critics. Chapter six provides detailed accounts of some of these reviews. In Jussi Bjorling, the Swedish tenor, she found her perfect partner for several roles at the Met. The seventh chapter includes more reviews of this highly successful period. Returning to her private life, chapter eight provides an insight on her two marriages, both with older men, who "resembled my father, helped me with my career and protected me." The ninth chapter deals with her resentments, grief, and disillusions. In Brazil, she was often unfairly describes as being unpatriotic. The actions taken by the authorities that so upset her are recorded in detail. Chapter ten concerns her postcareer struggles. In the span of three years, in the 1960s, she lost her second husband and her mother. "I almost died with her. I think I did die a little. It was horrible. The worst time in my life. I had money but no happiness. I began to have heart problems, irregular heartbeats, palpitations and cold sweats." An interesting anecdote about the power of redemption closes the chapter. The eleventh chapter is about her love for Brazil and her pride of being Brazilian. She once said, "I am a Brazilian from the bottom of my heart and it deeply offends me to hear that I am antipatriotic." The next chapter covers her vanity, distinctions, and honors. Bidú used whatever vanity she had for the benefit of her art. She felt and acted as a true star should feel and act. The distinctions and honors that she was awarded are listed chronologically. Chapter thirteen concerns her American citizenship even though she always maintained her Brazilian citizenship. The next chapter discusses her relationship with Villa-Lobos, whose Bachianas No. 5 was definitively performed by Bidú. This became the greatest world success of both of their careers. It became the best-selling record in the United States of America for two consecutive years. The fifteenth chapter relates her successful return to Rio to appear as the star of the Beija-Flor samba school parade, at the age of ninety-two! Her death two years later is described in the next chapter with a full description of her last will and testament. It ends with quotations by Bidú about her life and opera. In conclusion, the author explains how she had to overcome enormous obstacles and the basic limitation of a fine light soprano voice and that her exceptional human and professional qualities, as a leading star of the opera world, should never be forgotten. As one critic wrote, "This was a voice such as one doesn't often hear in this world. Pure and effortless it ranged from a silver trickle to a golden torrent. Sometimes her voice soared to almost unbelievable heights and hung there--hung there like a skylark pouring its heart out in the sky." Finally, the addenda provide extensive details of reviews of Bidú's performances abroad, at the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro, operas sang by Bidú at the Met, at the San Francisco Opera, a bibliography, a comprehensive discography, and finally, a list of compositions by Villa-Lobos. This book, a labor of love by the author, is undoubtedly now the definitive biography of Bidú Sayao. Her life has finally been given the due attention it has always deserved.

"In 'Echoes of a Silent Past: Unveiling Truths in Small Town Shadows,' Donald Sadler, a young man grappling with the mysterious circumstances surrounding his mother's death, embarks on a journey to uncover hidden truths about his family's history. As he navigates the complexities of small-town life, dark secrets unravel, leading him to unexpected encounters with an elusive girl and triggering a series of events that challenge his perceptions of reality. Filled with suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, this tale explores the intersections of loss, identity, and the relentless pursuit of the truth in the face of a haunting past."

Jacob Radford or known as Jake is a rich comfortable playboy who sleeps with a different girl every night. He has a good job and he loves his life. He doesn't seem to want anything else in his life and this is the best time of his life. He meets his match on one night and he can't seem to forget this girl. He likes the girl and she can't get out of his head. But he doesn't remember her name or know anything about her. He doesn't know how to find her or if he was willing to fall in love with a woman. Even if he finds this woman can she love him? Can he love her? Can he let go of his old habits and accept love at last?

Gérard Radford, but prefers Rad is a successful business man who owns a big successful bar that gets him good money. He loves working and can't seem to wish for anything better. His business is growing fast and he has more money than he ever expected and life is looking good for him. However, there is one thing he desperately need. And he is kind of lost and he doesn't know how to do it right. He loves his assistant and he knows very well relationship with your worker is not a very smart idea. But that's not what he is worried about, he is worried she won't feel the same and he'll make a fool of himself, or embarrass himself. But, can he dare to do it despite his worry, tell her how he feels? And what will it take to make him confess his love for her?

Abducted after a one night stand, Duke tries to find out who abducted him. However, he needs to struggle to stay alive first before doing that. But the abduction was only the smallest part of his problems. Trapped and helpless can he survive and escape? Is there any hope for him? It's an amazing thriller, if you like horror this is the book for you. I will advise you to sit back and enjoy.

AN UPDATED GUIDE TO STATISTICAL MODELING TECHNIQUES USED IN THE SOCIAL AND NATURAL SCIENCES This revised and updated second edition of Applied Univariate, Bivariate, and Multivariate Statistics: Understanding Statistics for Social and Natural Scientists, with Applications in SPSS and R contains an accessible introduction to statistical modeling techniques commonly used in the social and natural sciences. The text offers a blend of statistical theory and methodology and reviews both the technical and theoretical aspects of good data analysis. Featuring applied resources at various levels, the book includes statistical techniques using software packages such as R and SPSS®. To promote a more in-depth interpretation of statistical techniques across the sciences, the book surveys some of the technical arguments underlying formulas and equations. The second edition has been designed to be more approachable by minimizing theoretical or technical jargon and maximizing conceptual understanding with easy-to-apply software examples. This important text: Offers demonstrations of statistical techniques using software packages such as R and SPSS® Contains examples of hypothetical and real data with statistical analyses Provides historical and philosophical insights into many of the techniques used in modern science Includes a companion website that features further instructional details, additional data sets, and solutions to selected exercises Written for students of social and applied sciences, Applied Univariate, Bivariate, and Multivariate Statistics, Second Edition offers a thorough introduction to the world of statistical modeling techniques in the sciences.