Forefront books (Mehr als 5.500 Ergebnisse)

Hardback. Zustand: Good. For more than forty years, Tony March generously donated most of his fortune and countless hours to help those in need, but no one ever knew -- until now. To the public, he was the founder of one of the most successful minority-owned businesses in the country, a champion for minority business owners, and a respected community leader entrusted to manage USD1 billion in state funds. Privately, however, Tony indulged his true passion: getting his hands dirty serving the homeless community. In shocking detail, Paying It Backward presents Tony's incredible journey from poverty, abuse, racism, and depression in a Daytona Beach ghetto to the highest level of business success and a life filled with purpose. More importantly, Tony shows how anyone -- no matter who they are or where they come from -- can improve their lives, conquer any hardship, and develop a heart for serving others. When you reach the top of the mountain, Tony says, you can either sit at the peak or reach back down and help others climb. In Paying It Backward, Tony reflects on his struggles on the way up -- and the joy he found by reaching back down.…

Hardback. Zustand: Good. In Turning Small Talk into Big Talk, Jan Janura helps readers move below the surface and experience deep, meaningful conversations that are not only interesting, but even life-changing. Small talk is awful, awkward, and ultimately useless -- and everyone knows it. When is the last time you had a significant conversation with your spouse, your kids, your best friend, your neighbor, or a close business associate? No, not small talk. We do enough of that with our fingers in five-word text 'conversations' or in dull, surface-level, face-to-face interactions. Small talk isn't getting us anywhere. What we need today more than ever is 'Big Talk,' real conversations in which we dig deep into our souls and discuss intriguing topics that truly shape the world and impact our daily lives. Conversation is undoubtedly the most important part of a relationship, whether it's business, personal, or spiritual. It's the only way to truly get to know someone, and it's the best method in strengthening your bond with a business partner, spouse, friends, your children, and even God. Each of us wants to interact with others, and all of us want to be heard. The conversations we each have can truly change the world -- or destroy it -- and the words, questions, and answers each of us use (or don't use) can alter our own life and the lives of everyone around us. So, why wouldn't we choose to make our conversations as impactful and memorable as we can? In Turning Small Talk into Big Talk, Jan Janura unpacks the simple, easy-to-apply method he's used throughout his career to turn dinner parties and other gatherings into fun, interesting, sometimes life- and career-changing experiences. If you find yourself desperate for deeper connection in your most important relationships, or if you find yourself responsible for regularly hosting clients or co-workers, this book is the missing tool in your tackle box.…

Hardback. Zustand: Fair. In Turning Small Talk into Big Talk, Jan Janura helps readers move below the surface and experience deep, meaningful conversations that are not only interesting, but even life-changing. Small talk is awful, awkward, and ultimately useless -- and everyone knows it. When is the last time you had a significant conversation with your spouse, your kids, your best friend, your neighbor, or a close business associate? No, not small talk. We do enough of that with our fingers in five-word text 'conversations' or in dull, surface-level, face-to-face interactions. Small talk isn't getting us anywhere. What we need today more than ever is 'Big Talk,' real conversations in which we dig deep into our souls and discuss intriguing topics that truly shape the world and impact our daily lives. Conversation is undoubtedly the most important part of a relationship, whether it's business, personal, or spiritual. It's the only way to truly get to know someone, and it's the best method in strengthening your bond with a business partner, spouse, friends, your children, and even God. Each of us wants to interact with others, and all of us want to be heard. The conversations we each have can truly change the world -- or destroy it -- and the words, questions, and answers each of us use (or don't use) can alter our own life and the lives of everyone around us. So, why wouldn't we choose to make our conversations as impactful and memorable as we can? In Turning Small Talk into Big Talk, Jan Janura unpacks the simple, easy-to-apply method he's used throughout his career to turn dinner parties and other gatherings into fun, interesting, sometimes life- and career-changing experiences. If you find yourself desperate for deeper connection in your most important relationships, or if you find yourself responsible for regularly hosting clients or co-workers, this book is the missing tool in your tackle box.…

Hardback. Zustand: Very Good. 'What does it mean to be human?' At a time when AI is rapidly changing the way we live, work, and think, this may be the biggest question we face. In The Last Book Written By A Human, tech entrepreneur and investor Jeff Burningham wrestles with the fundamental questions of existence, the future role of artificial intelligence in society, and the increasingly complex union between humanity and its creations. With raw honesty, Burningham shares his personal story from Mormon missionary and Bishop to successful entrepreneur to his gubernatorial run and beyond, offering reflections on our otherworldly potential and uncertain future in the age of AI. His call to action is clear: As machines become smarter, we must become wiser. You will discover: How the rise of AI is forcing humanity to confront fundamental questions about consciousness, intelligence, and what it means to be truly human. Why the development of AI must be guided by love, wisdom, and compassion. How to navigate relationships in the future, ensuring we maintain genuine human connection alongside increasingly synthetic ones. The importance of reforming institutions - religious, governmental, and business - to support human flourishing. The cosmic necessity of mastering your life as a human being, rather than a human doing. This book is a wake-up call for our species to evolve beyond our unconscious patterns, false beliefs, and outdated systems in order to thrive in the age of AI.…

Zustand: very_good. Pages are clean with no markings. May show minor signs of wear or cosmetic defects marks, cuts, bends, or scuffs on the cover, spine, pages, or dust jacket. May have remainder marks on edges.

Zustand: very_good. Pages are clean with no markings. May show minor signs of wear or cosmetic defects marks, cuts, bends, or scuffs on the cover, spine, pages, or dust jacket. May have remainder marks on edges.

Hardback. Zustand: Fair. The Great Reset was just the beginning. At important meetings in 2021 and 2022, powerful leaders from government, finance, media, and business who support the World Economic Forum's plan for a Great Reset of capitalism launched a new 'call to action' titled the 'Great Narrative.' The Great Narrative campaign seeks to use the decay of traditional values throughout the West and new and future advancements in technology -- including in the areas of artificial intelligence, automation, the metaverse, robotics, and more -- to seize control of economies and societies in North America and Europe. The elites behind these proposals even plan to impact the way people across cultures and the planet understand what it means to be human and to have free will. According to the leaders of The Great Reset and Great Narrative movements, by the year 2030, your world will be fundamentally transformed. Together, the highly influential and often extremely wealthy figures and institutions behind the Great Narrative are building a troubling new framework for humanity, one that has the potential to change life on earth forever. Just as worrisome, the Communist Party of China and Vladimir Putin's authoritarian regime in Russia are adopting technology-centric approaches of their own to control citizens and institutions, both domestically and abroad. In Dark Future: Uncovering the Great Reset's Terrifying Next Phase, New York Times bestselling authors Glenn Beck and Justin Haskins reveal the most important technologies and social and cultural changes that will soon cause an unprecedented level of disruption in the United States, as well as in countless other nations. They also outline the dangers and opportunities associated with these disruptions and provide a plan to protect individuals and families from losing their liberty. How the free people of the world react to the challenges outlined in this revolutionary book will change the course of history for generations to come. In this emerging, intense struggle for the future of humankind, whose side will you be on.…

Hardback. Zustand: Good. The Great Reset was just the beginning. At important meetings in 2021 and 2022, powerful leaders from government, finance, media, and business who support the World Economic Forum's plan for a Great Reset of capitalism launched a new 'call to action' titled the 'Great Narrative.' The Great Narrative campaign seeks to use the decay of traditional values throughout the West and new and future advancements in technology -- including in the areas of artificial intelligence, automation, the metaverse, robotics, and more -- to seize control of economies and societies in North America and Europe. The elites behind these proposals even plan to impact the way people across cultures and the planet understand what it means to be human and to have free will. According to the leaders of The Great Reset and Great Narrative movements, by the year 2030, your world will be fundamentally transformed. Together, the highly influential and often extremely wealthy figures and institutions behind the Great Narrative are building a troubling new framework for humanity, one that has the potential to change life on earth forever. Just as worrisome, the Communist Party of China and Vladimir Putin's authoritarian regime in Russia are adopting technology-centric approaches of their own to control citizens and institutions, both domestically and abroad. In Dark Future: Uncovering the Great Reset's Terrifying Next Phase, New York Times bestselling authors Glenn Beck and Justin Haskins reveal the most important technologies and social and cultural changes that will soon cause an unprecedented level of disruption in the United States, as well as in countless other nations. They also outline the dangers and opportunities associated with these disruptions and provide a plan to protect individuals and families from losing their liberty. How the free people of the world react to the challenges outlined in this revolutionary book will change the course of history for generations to come. In this emerging, intense struggle for the future of humankind, whose side will you be on.…

hardcover. Zustand: As New.

hardcover. Zustand: As New.

hardcover. Zustand: Very Good.

hardcover. Zustand: Very Good.

Hardcover. Zustand: Very Good. Very Good hardcover 9781637632116.

Hardback. Zustand: Good. A CT scan revealed Dr. James Chen, a Miami physician, had a cancerous, inoperable, tumor behind his nose. The prognosis was bleak. Dr. Chen had eight weeks to live. Dr. Chen and his sons, Chris and Gordon, looked for a miracle. Chris was completing a cardiology fellowship. Gordon was finishing medical school. They knew what they were up against. Even still, they were shocked when a local oncologist told them, 'The first available appointment is in six weeks.' James and his sons were suddenly patients, forced to look at the healthcare system from the other end of the stethoscope. They didn't like what they saw -- expensive, uncoordinated, and ineffective care. At one point James asked his sons, 'If a family of doctors with connections can't navigate this system, what chance do my patients have?' The Chens found their calling. Together with James' wife Mary, Chris's wife Stephanie (an attorney), and Gordon's wife Jessica (another doctor) they created ChenMed, a physician-led company that serves the underservedèè. ChenMed puts their patients from forgotten communities first and focuses on accountable, compassionate care that improves health. In The Calling, Chris and Gordon share how the family succeeded beyond their wildest expectations through a combination of determination, data, family, and faith. They turned what could have been a tragedy into an opportunity that will revolutionize healthcare delivery for years to come. The Calling will give you hope. …

Hardback. Zustand: Very Good. A CT scan revealed Dr. James Chen, a Miami physician, had a cancerous, inoperable, tumor behind his nose. The prognosis was bleak. Dr. Chen had eight weeks to live. Dr. Chen and his sons, Chris and Gordon, looked for a miracle. Chris was completing a cardiology fellowship. Gordon was finishing medical school. They knew what they were up against. Even still, they were shocked when a local oncologist told them, 'The first available appointment is in six weeks.' James and his sons were suddenly patients, forced to look at the healthcare system from the other end of the stethoscope. They didn't like what they saw -- expensive, uncoordinated, and ineffective care. At one point James asked his sons, 'If a family of doctors with connections can't navigate this system, what chance do my patients have?' The Chens found their calling. Together with James' wife Mary, Chris's wife Stephanie (an attorney), and Gordon's wife Jessica (another doctor) they created ChenMed, a physician-led company that serves the underservedèè. ChenMed puts their patients from forgotten communities first and focuses on accountable, compassionate care that improves health. In The Calling, Chris and Gordon share how the family succeeded beyond their wildest expectations through a combination of determination, data, family, and faith. They turned what could have been a tragedy into an opportunity that will revolutionize healthcare delivery for years to come. The Calling will give you hope.…

Hardcover. Zustand: Very Good.

hardcover. Zustand: Very Good.

Hardcover. Zustand: Good.

Hardback. Zustand: Very Good. Why Did I Come into This Room? is a funny 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' for the aging woman. 'I'm too old for Snapchat, but too young for Life Alert.' In her most candid and revealing book yet, acclaimed broadcast journalist and Baby Boomer Joan Lunden delves into the various phases of aging that leave many feeling uncomfortable, confused, and on edge. In her hilarious book, Lunden takes the dull and depressing out of aging, replacing it with wit and humor. After all, laughing is better than crying -- unless it makes you pee! Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or more, this book is full of helpful information to embrace -- or at least prepare for -- the inevitable. Funny, captivating, and raw, no topic is off limits. Lunden goes where others fear to tread, openly talking about wrinkles and age spots (which Lunden insists are sunspots), expanding waistlines (no, you didn't shrink your jeans), diminished energy (my get-up-and-go got up and went), weak pelvic floors (yes, we're talking about leaking), hot flashes (they suck), disrupted sleep (the morning host is an expert on lack of sleep), changes in sex drive (oh yeah, she goes there), ageism (it exists and it pisses us off), and yes, the real reasons we suddenly find ourselves always searching for those car keys! Through her poignant and often laugh out loud funny personal experiences, Lunden candidly shares her anxieties and breakthroughs and how she's coping with the realities of aging. She's talking about the good, the bad and the ugly, elevating the conversation on topics often considered 'taboo.' Why Did I Come into This Room? also explores the science of aging, including how it impacts the body and brain, while dispelling myths and revealing useful options to stave off the aging process as long as possible. Even more importantly, Lunden goes beyond the physical aspects of aging by closely examining the mental and emotional minefields that come with our advancing years. As she explores the value of asking ourselves important questions including, 'Am I still relevant?', 'Do I have meaningful friendships?', and 'Am I leaving an impactful legacy?' Lunden also examines the freedom in 'letting go,' the importance of managing stress, and how joy and a sense of purpose all play an impactful role in slowing the aging process. In a society where youth is revered and aging feared, Why Did I Come into This Room? is the long-awaited tell-it-like-it-is guide for women of all ages. As Lunden says, 'Aging ain't for sissies.you better be prepared.'.…

Hardback. Zustand: Good. Why Did I Come into This Room? is a funny 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' for the aging woman. 'I'm too old for Snapchat, but too young for Life Alert.' In her most candid and revealing book yet, acclaimed broadcast journalist and Baby Boomer Joan Lunden delves into the various phases of aging that leave many feeling uncomfortable, confused, and on edge. In her hilarious book, Lunden takes the dull and depressing out of aging, replacing it with wit and humor. After all, laughing is better than crying -- unless it makes you pee! Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or more, this book is full of helpful information to embrace -- or at least prepare for -- the inevitable. Funny, captivating, and raw, no topic is off limits. Lunden goes where others fear to tread, openly talking about wrinkles and age spots (which Lunden insists are sunspots), expanding waistlines (no, you didn't shrink your jeans), diminished energy (my get-up-and-go got up and went), weak pelvic floors (yes, we're talking about leaking), hot flashes (they suck), disrupted sleep (the morning host is an expert on lack of sleep), changes in sex drive (oh yeah, she goes there), ageism (it exists and it pisses us off), and yes, the real reasons we suddenly find ourselves always searching for those car keys! Through her poignant and often laugh out loud funny personal experiences, Lunden candidly shares her anxieties and breakthroughs and how she's coping with the realities of aging. She's talking about the good, the bad and the ugly, elevating the conversation on topics often considered 'taboo.' Why Did I Come into This Room? also explores the science of aging, including how it impacts the body and brain, while dispelling myths and revealing useful options to stave off the aging process as long as possible. Even more importantly, Lunden goes beyond the physical aspects of aging by closely examining the mental and emotional minefields that come with our advancing years. As she explores the value of asking ourselves important questions including, 'Am I still relevant?', 'Do I have meaningful friendships?', and 'Am I leaving an impactful legacy?' Lunden also examines the freedom in 'letting go,' the importance of managing stress, and how joy and a sense of purpose all play an impactful role in slowing the aging process. In a society where youth is revered and aging feared, Why Did I Come into This Room? is the long-awaited tell-it-like-it-is guide for women of all ages. As Lunden says, 'Aging ain't for sissies.you better be prepared.'.…

Hardback. Zustand: Fair. Why Did I Come into This Room? is a funny 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' for the aging woman. 'I'm too old for Snapchat, but too young for Life Alert.' In her most candid and revealing book yet, acclaimed broadcast journalist and Baby Boomer Joan Lunden delves into the various phases of aging that leave many feeling uncomfortable, confused, and on edge. In her hilarious book, Lunden takes the dull and depressing out of aging, replacing it with wit and humor. After all, laughing is better than crying -- unless it makes you pee! Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or more, this book is full of helpful information to embrace -- or at least prepare for -- the inevitable. Funny, captivating, and raw, no topic is off limits. Lunden goes where others fear to tread, openly talking about wrinkles and age spots (which Lunden insists are sunspots), expanding waistlines (no, you didn't shrink your jeans), diminished energy (my get-up-and-go got up and went), weak pelvic floors (yes, we're talking about leaking), hot flashes (they suck), disrupted sleep (the morning host is an expert on lack of sleep), changes in sex drive (oh yeah, she goes there), ageism (it exists and it pisses us off), and yes, the real reasons we suddenly find ourselves always searching for those car keys! Through her poignant and often laugh out loud funny personal experiences, Lunden candidly shares her anxieties and breakthroughs and how she's coping with the realities of aging. She's talking about the good, the bad and the ugly, elevating the conversation on topics often considered 'taboo.' Why Did I Come into This Room? also explores the science of aging, including how it impacts the body and brain, while dispelling myths and revealing useful options to stave off the aging process as long as possible. Even more importantly, Lunden goes beyond the physical aspects of aging by closely examining the mental and emotional minefields that come with our advancing years. As she explores the value of asking ourselves important questions including, 'Am I still relevant?', 'Do I have meaningful friendships?', and 'Am I leaving an impactful legacy?' Lunden also examines the freedom in 'letting go,' the importance of managing stress, and how joy and a sense of purpose all play an impactful role in slowing the aging process. In a society where youth is revered and aging feared, Why Did I Come into This Room? is the long-awaited tell-it-like-it-is guide for women of all ages. As Lunden says, 'Aging ain't for sissies.you better be prepared.'.…

Hardback. Zustand: Very Good. Named by Forbes Inc. as one of the Top Ten business books of 2018. Scott McKain, award-winning speaker and author, explains how to move beyond being distinctive and to take your brand and business to the next level, to become iconic by knowing your customer and audience and providing the Ultimate Customer Experience every time. What if merely 'standing out' from your competition isn't enough to take your brand and business to the highest level? How do you become an iconic organization or leader? Being distinctive in the marketplace used to be the pinnacle of success. In today's global marketplace, that mountain has become significantly more difficult to climb. And, with the explosion of social media, the competition for attention -- and customers -- is more intense than ever before. Standing out is not only more challenging than ever, it now has less of an impact on sustained growth. To be a lasting company, leader, or brand on a positive trajectory today, one must become iconic. In his new book, ICONIC, award-winning author and speaker Scott McKain examines what an iconic organization or leader is -- and helps you attain and retain that rare status. If your company has slipped in its standing (for example, think Sears or Nokia), McKain teaches you how you can regain your position. This is accomplished through unconventional ideas such as: - Go negative for greater success - Do not 'under-promise/over-deliver' - Quit selling your products and services ICONIC is filled with insightful advice and practical examples. It's not a book merely expressing an unproven, unrealistic theory. ICONIC teaches the critical, specific steps required to attain the highest level of distinction. Each chapter includes study questions to be used in company-wide or departmental focus groups to help you achieve iconic status. And, the examples used are not merely another recitation of praise for Starbucks, Apple, Google, Southwest, and Amazon. You will discover the only two factors upon which customers and employees judge your organization. You'll meet and learn from the millionaire chimney sweep.the valet parking attendant building an iconic craft brewery.the single store steakhouse in the Midwest with higher revenue than New York City's famed Tavern on the Green.and many more. ICONIC delivers powerful, practical, and precise steps for anyone from a Fortune 500 CEO to a solo-entrepreneur. From major industries to network marketing, there are critical insights awaiting you in ICONIC. The goal of this book is to is to help you and your organization achieve iconic status through sound research and practical wisdom. After reading ICONIC, you will be ready to take your business to the highest level.…

Zustand: good. Books may contain some notes and highlighting. Supplements such as Access Codes, Cd's Dust Jackets, etc. are not guaranteed with used book purchases.

Zustand: acceptable. Books may contain multiple pages with notes and highlighting. Supplements such as Access Codes, Cd's, etc. are not guaranteed with used book purchases.

Zustand: very_good. Cover may have light wear, pages in very good condition and binding is sturdy; may have other light shelf wear or creases. May have notes or highlighting.

Hardback. Zustand: Good. 'Reminiscent of Dan Brown's work but with a tone and momentum all its own, Kelly's yarn will delight thriller fans looking for an exciting read.' - Kirkus Reviews 'Rich in culture, themes of belief, and the grand implications of its relic, The Malachi Covenant exemplifies its genre, blending brisk plotting, action-packed sequences, and jolting betrayals with thoughtful spiritual inquiry, keeping the suspense potent up to a satisfying conclusion.' - BookLife 'Dee Kelly, Jr. is a master wordsmith. The Malachi Covenant is a propulsive thriller that takes the reader on an electrifying adventure. The characters are fully drawn and his research is on broad display. This story will draw you in and not let you go until the heart pounding ending. Even then, the story will stay with you.' -Glenn Dyer, Author of Trust No One The relics of St. Nicholas are among the most divine and prized possessions in the Christian world, said to hold the power to heal the most incurable diseases and protect those who come in contact with them. Biblical archeologist Maggie Shepherd has the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to extract and study one of these priceless artifacts buried in the tomb of the man who is now known as Santa Claus. In just a few weeks, on Christmas Eve, the Pope will present the venerated relic of St. Nicholas to the head of the Eastern Orthodox Church in Moscow in the hope of reuniting East and West after a 1,000-year schism. Driven by rumors of the relic's legendary power, many people want to control it, including a Russian mob boss who coerces Malachi Popov into stealing it for him before the ceremony. A devout man, Popov wants nothing to do with the evil scheme but his desperate need for money to support his ailing mother leaves him no choice. Once in possession of the miraculous relic, Popov witnesses its awesome power and regrets his action, but before he can set things right, it vanishes. Not knowing who to trust, both Popov and Maggie set off on a globe-spanning chase to recover the treasured artifact before the world learns it's missing, and all hope of reuniting the Church is lost. What they don't know is there are others on their trail who will stop at nothing to keep them from their prize, including murder.…

hardcover. Zustand: As New.

hardcover. Zustand: Very Good.

Hardback. Zustand: Very Good. A Message from Mike Rowe, the Dirty Jobs Guy: Just to be clear, About My Mother is a book about my grandmother, written by my mother. That's not to say it's not about my mother -- it is. In fact, About My Mother is as much about my mother as it is about my grandmother. In that sense, it's really a book about 'mothers.' .It is not, however, a book written by me. True, I did write the foreword. But it doesn't mean I've written a book about my mother. I haven't. Nor does it mean my mother's book is about her son. It isn't. It's about my grandmother. And my mother. Just to be clear. -- Mike A love letter to mothers everywhere, About My Mother will make you laugh and cry -- and see yourself in its reflection. Peggy Rowe's story of growing up as the daughter of Thelma Knobel is filled with warmth and humor. But Thelma could be your mother -- there's a Thelma in everyone's life. She's the person taking charge -- the one who knows instinctively how things should be. Today, Thelma would be described as an alpha personality, but while growing up, her daughter Peggy saw her as a dictator -- albeit a benevolent, loving one. They clashed from the beginning -- Peggy, the horse-crazy tomboy, and Thelma, the genteel-yet-still-controlling mother, committed to raising two refined, ladylike daughters. Good luck. When major league baseball came to town in the early 1950s and turned sophisticated Thelma into a crazed Baltimore Orioles groupie, nobody was more surprised and embarrassed than Peggy. Life became a series of compromises -- Thelma tolerating a daughter who pitched manure and galloped the countryside, while Peggy learned to tolerate the whacky Orioles fan who threw her underwear at the television, shouted insults at umpires, and lived by the orange-and-black schedule taped to the refrigerator door. Sometimes it takes a little distance to appreciate the people we love. …

Hardback. Zustand: Good. A Message from Mike Rowe, the Dirty Jobs Guy: Just to be clear, About My Mother is a book about my grandmother, written by my mother. That's not to say it's not about my mother -- it is. In fact, About My Mother is as much about my mother as it is about my grandmother. In that sense, it's really a book about 'mothers.' .It is not, however, a book written by me. True, I did write the foreword. But it doesn't mean I've written a book about my mother. I haven't. Nor does it mean my mother's book is about her son. It isn't. It's about my grandmother. And my mother. Just to be clear. -- Mike A love letter to mothers everywhere, About My Mother will make you laugh and cry -- and see yourself in its reflection. Peggy Rowe's story of growing up as the daughter of Thelma Knobel is filled with warmth and humor. But Thelma could be your mother -- there's a Thelma in everyone's life. She's the person taking charge -- the one who knows instinctively how things should be. Today, Thelma would be described as an alpha personality, but while growing up, her daughter Peggy saw her as a dictator -- albeit a benevolent, loving one. They clashed from the beginning -- Peggy, the horse-crazy tomboy, and Thelma, the genteel-yet-still-controlling mother, committed to raising two refined, ladylike daughters. Good luck. When major league baseball came to town in the early 1950s and turned sophisticated Thelma into a crazed Baltimore Orioles groupie, nobody was more surprised and embarrassed than Peggy. Life became a series of compromises -- Thelma tolerating a daughter who pitched manure and galloped the countryside, while Peggy learned to tolerate the whacky Orioles fan who threw her underwear at the television, shouted insults at umpires, and lived by the orange-and-black schedule taped to the refrigerator door. Sometimes it takes a little distance to appreciate the people we love.…