In 1997 Ellen DeGeneres made television history when she came out to the American public on her nationally syndicated sitcom. In spite of the controversy stirred by this personal revelation, Ellen DeGeneres has gone on to become on one the most popular personalities in Hollywood. With her own highly rated daily talk show, a lucrative ad campaign with American Express, and a successful turn as Oscar host to her credit, she has become one of America's leading female comedians and won her has place a household name. High profile romances with actresses Anne Heche and fiance Portia de Rossi, have also made a her an unassuming champion for gay and lesbian rights. Ellen Degeneres' monumental success, however, belies a painful childhood and uncertain career beginnings. This comprehensive and intriguing biography explores the life events that shaped the hilarious public figure we know today.

Complete with a chronology of significant events, illustrations, and a bibliography of print and electronic resources, this detailed biography is ideal for general readers looking to learn more about their favorite star or for those seeking information on groundbreaking members of the gay and lesbian community.

This book offers the life story of the actor and musician who is perhaps the most bankable star in Hollywood today. How did Will Smith rise to the top of the Hollywood A-list? Find out with this revealing look at the life of an extraordinarily talented and appealing superstar. Will Smith: A Biography portrays Smith's West Philadelphia upbringing, his arrival and ascent in Hollywood, and his family life with wife and fellow actor, Jada Pinkett, and their children. It covers Smith's successes in three mediums: music, where his partnership with childhood friend DJ Jazzy Jeff culminated in the first ever Grammy for rap; the wildly popular television show, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air;" and his movie successes, from roles in blockbusters like Independence Day, Men in Black, and I Am Legend, to critically acclaimed, award-winning performances in Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness. The book also details his increasing presence as a film producer.

Nothing can ruin a trip like an illness, an accident, or a medical emergency. But many of these situations are preventable - or at least, more manageable - with knowledge and planning. Healthy Travel is a concise, well-organised handbook for all travellers. According to the authors., smart travellers are those who do their health homework ahead of time. When you travel, do you take along a comprehensive list of medical, emergency, and contact information in your carry-on, pocketbook, or briefcase? You should and with Healthy Travel, you will.

This guidebook breaks down--state by state-every place a sports fan will want to visit. The book will be cross referenced by sports categories and teams, so the reader will have an easy time finding attractions in a particular state by location or team. Included here are everything from restaurants owned by sports celebrities (i.e. Elway's in Denver or Yao Ming's YAO Bar & Restaurant in Houston) to such newly minted sites as the National Soccer Hall of Fame Museum at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The latest trend--celebrity cruises with your favorite team-are also detailed, as are both birth places and grave sites of the stars, and such obscure museums as the Ted Williams Hitters' Hall of Fame in St. Petersburg, Florida. Conferences and a calendar of other fan events round out this essential guide to all things sports.