Search results for ""launch!""

Brooklyn's toughest female detective takes on Dallas in this 'violent, sexy, and completely absorbing' Edgar Award nominee, the first novel in the acclaimed Betty Rhyzyk series (Kirkus Reviews). Dallas, Texas is not for the faint of heart. Good thing for Betty Rhyzyk she's from a family of take-no-prisoners Brooklyn police detectives. But her Big Apple wisdom will only get her so far when she relocates to The Big D, where Mexican drug cartels and cult leaders, deadbeat skells and society wives all battle for sunbaked turf. Betty is as tough as the best of them, but she's deeply shaken when her first investigation goes sideways. Battling a group of unruly subordinates, a persistent stalker, a formidable criminal organisation, and an unsupportive girlfriend, the unbreakable Detective Betty Rhyzyk may be reaching her limit. Combining the colourful pyrotechnics of Breaking Bad with the best of the gritty crime genre, The Dime is Kathleen Kent's brilliant mystery debut and the launch of a sensational new series. Praise for Kathleen Kent: 'Only a fan blowing in the right direction could flip the pages of this lightning-paced tale any faster' Minneapolis Star Tribune 'One of the most breathless, inventive and – be forewarned – violent suspense plots I've read in a long time' NPR 'Exciting [and] moving... Grisly but likable' Wall Street Journal 'Some of the most intense crime fiction I've ever read' LitReactor 'Kent's offbeat humor pulls up reins just before it takes the story over a cliff' New York Times Book Review

Read more less

On October 4, 1957, the day Leave It to Beaver premiered on American television, the Soviet Union launched the space age. Sputnik, all of 184 pounds with only a radio transmitter inside its highly polished shell, became the first artificial satellite in space; while it immediately shocked the world, its long-term impact was even greater, for it profoundly changed the shape of the twentieth century. Paul Dickson chronicles the dramatic events and developments leading up to and resulting from Sputnik’s launch. Supported by groundbreaking, original research and many declassified documents, Sputnik offers a fascinating profile of the early American and Soviet space programs and a strikingly revised picture of the politics and personalities behind the facade of America’s fledgling efforts to get into space. The U.S. public reaction to Sputnik was monumental. In a single weekend, Americans were wrenched out of a mood of national smugness and postwar material comfort. Initial shock at and fear of the Soviets’ intentions galvanized the country and swiftly prompted innovative developments that define our world today. Sputnik directly or indirectly influenced nearly every aspect of American life: from an immediate shift toward science in the classroom to the arms race that defined the Cold War, the competition to reach the moon, and the birth of the internet. By shedding new light on a pivotal era, Dickson expands our knowledge of the world we now inhabit and reminds us that the story of Sputnik goes far beyond technology and the beginning of the space age, and that its implications are still being felt today.

Read more less

The Student’s Guide to European Integration is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the political, economic and legal aspects of the European Union. Fully up to date and jargon-free, the volume provides students with a clear overview of the history and institutional structure of the EU. In addition to chapters on all major policy areas, the book offers a straightforward analysis of political and economic theories of EU integration and the basics of EU law. The book explores many of the issues and events which have shaped the development of the European Union since its conception, such as the creation of the Single Market, EU enlargement and the Convention on the Future of Europe. The book has been specifically designed with the needs of the student in mind. Key features include: End-of-chapter summaries which identify the main issues discussed in the text Guides to further reading and lists of relevant web sites for each subject area. Boxes, tables and highlights from key treaty documents to complement the text and provide useful points of reference for students Chronology outlining major events in the development of the European Union from the launch of the US Marshall Plan in 1947 to the present day Student-to-student tips at the end of each chapter advising students how to best approach the topic in question Written by recent graduate students at the London School of Economics, The Student’s Guide to European Integration is the ideal companion for all students studying the European Union as part of a degree course.

Read more less

The Student’s Guide to European Integration is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the political, economic and legal aspects of the European Union. Fully up to date and jargon-free, the volume provides students with a clear overview of the history and institutional structure of the EU. In addition to chapters on all major policy areas, the book offers a straightforward analysis of political and economic theories of EU integration and the basics of EU law. The book explores many of the issues and events which have shaped the development of the European Union since its conception, such as the creation of the Single Market, EU enlargement and the Convention on the Future of Europe. The book has been specifically designed with the needs of the student in mind. Key features include: End-of-chapter summaries which identify the main issues discussed in the text Guides to further reading and lists of relevant web sites for each subject area. Boxes, tables and highlights from key treaty documents to complement the text and provide useful points of reference for students Chronology outlining major events in the development of the European Union from the launch of the US Marshall Plan in 1947 to the present day Student-to-student tips at the end of each chapter advising students how to best approach the topic in question Written by recent graduate students at the London School of Economics, The Student’s Guide to European Integration is the ideal companion for all students studying the European Union as part of a degree course.

Read more less

Truman and MacArthur offers an objective and comprehensive account of the very public confrontation between a sitting president and a well-known general over the military's role in the conduct of foreign policy. In November 1950, with the army of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea mostly destroyed, Chinese military forces crossed the Yalu River. They routed the combined United Nations forces and pushed them on a long retreat down the Korean peninsula. Hoping to strike a decisive blow that would collapse the Chinese communist regime in Beijing, General Douglas MacArthur, the commander of the Far East Theater, pressed the administration of President Harry S. Truman for authorization to launch an invasion of China across the Taiwan straits. Truman refused; MacArthur began to argue his case in the press, a challenge to the tradition of civilian control of the military. He moved his protest into the partisan political arena by supporting the Republican opposition to Truman in Congress. This violated the President's fundamental tenet that war and warriors should be kept separate from politicians and electioneering. On April 11, 1951 he finally removed MacArthur from command.Viewing these events through the eyes of the participants, this book explores partisan politics in Washington and addresses the issues of the political power of military officers in an administration too weak to carry national policy on its own accord. It also discusses America's relations with European allies and its position toward Formosa (Taiwan), the long-standing root of the dispute between Truman and MacArthur.

Read more less

How great powers react to their inevitable decline shapes their own destiny as well as the course of international politics. Leaders can decide to engage with others or isolate themselves; to build alliances or initiate war; to stoke up nationalism or invest in innovation; to focus on economic competition or develop their people's soft power. While some of these coping strategies foster cooperation, others provoke conflict with neighbours. In Coping with Geopolitical Decline leading political scientists, historians, and sociologists explore the strategies adopted by leaders and domestic elites to prevent, reverse, or deny the decline of their country. Analyzing four European cases (Byzantium, England, France, Russia) before turning to the contemporary debate in the United States, they argue that geopolitics is not fate. Coping strategies depend on the context, which includes cultural representations of decline, the experience of military defeat, and domestic politics. Whether elites choose to modernize their economy, bolster their diplomatic status, or launch preventive war makes a difference in the extent and speed of a country's decline. By the same token, coping strategies affect world order. A well-managed decline allows for a peaceful power transition. Some strategies, however, may preserve the peace at the expense of a country's standing, while others will stave off decline but encourage imperialist adventures or precipitate military conflicts. As the United States challenges the liberal international order, fights back China's ascendency, and reconsiders its traditional alliances, Coping with Geopolitical Decline analyzes key lessons from Europe's experience and provides comparative insight into the likely dynamics of cooperation and conflict in the twenty-first century.

Read more less

Introduction to Engineering is a project-based learning experience for engineering students, who are tasked with designing a hypersonic trans-atmospheric vehicle. This experience guides students through the same process that a team of engineers would follow by breaking a large design problem into smaller, more tractable subproblems. To help students understand the challenge they confront, a statement of work (SOW) specifies the requirements of a test vehicle they must design, build, demonstrate, and deliver, including vehicle performance capabilities and physical characteristics. After flying to the edge of space, the hypersonic trans-atmospheric vehicle slows down and glides back for a horizontal landing on the earth. Students study this second phase of the mission, learning about glider aerodynamics and performance, as well as the shaping required for hypersonic vehicles. Once more, they design, build, and launch a test vehicle. Test vehicles and the final concept demonstrator are subscale, model-rocket-sized vehicles, but they demonstrate the basic physics, techniques, and technologies required to design fullscale vehicles. Electronic course materials accompany the text and include narrated slideshows, handouts, spreadsheets, and videos that allow students to deepen their understanding of engineering concepts and provide them with the examples and tools needed to build their test vehicles. Students will develop knowledge of aerospace, mechanical, environmental, and electrical engineering as they work to ensure that test vehicles are strong, functional, safe, and environmentally friendly. By the end of this project-based learning experience, students will grasp the fundamental tenets of creative problem solving and discover the fascinating, challenging, and motivating world of engineering.

Read more less

“All aspiring authors know the value of a great literary agent, but few know how to get one. Lucinda Halpern has written the definitive guide to attracting an agent and laying the groundwork for a book well worth publishing.” — Adam Grant, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Think Again and Hidden Potential, and host of the TED podcast Re:ThinkingIn this practical, immediately actionable guide, Lucinda Halpern, who has represented New York Times bestsellers and brokered numerous deals with major publishers for over a decade, divulges what agents look for in authors and the shortcuts they use to get book deals but have never revealed—until now. Lucinda has personally helped hundreds of writers and entrepreneurs launch timeless, best-selling books. But the path to literary success begins with knowing the answers to questions like: · How do I make my book idea marketable to agents and publishers? · What essential ingredients should my book pitch possess? · What common pitfalls and errors should I avoid? · How do I find a reputable agent who shares my vision? · What can I do if I'm getting rejected by agents and publishers? With her unique 6-step method, Lucinda provides the tools and concrete strategies to: · Write a query letter that gets an agent's attention · Build an effective marketing platform · Create a timeless bestseller Packed with interviews from best-selling authors, leading book editors from Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and more, Get Signed is the indispensable roadmap you need right now to get noticed and become a published author.

Read more less

THE ARMY OF THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS RISES AND EARTH DOESN T STAND A CHANCE! The DC Universe has become engulfed by the Dark Multiverse, where demons dwell and reality is overrun by monstrous versions of the Dark Knight, all ruled by the Batman Who Laughs. As Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, and other heroes fight to survive in this strange new landscape, one cloaked figure has been observing from the sidelines, creating a guidebook to this new world and its evil leaders in the hope of forming a plan of justice and penance. Meanwhile, the heroes have split up on separate missions to take back the Earth. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman launch a head-on assault on Castle Bat; the Flashes are in a race to the death with the Darkest Knight; and the Green Lanterns try to save the heroes of the dying Multiverse! Featuring stories from a who s who of today s top creators like Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Francis Manapul, Tony S. Daniel, and Doug Mahnke, Dark Nights: Death Metal: The Darkest Knight is filled to the brim with headbanging action. Collects tales from Dark Nights: Death Metal: Legends of the Dark Knights #1, Dark Nights: Death Metal: Guidebook #1, Dark Nights: Death Metal: Trinity Crisis #1, Dark Nights: Death Metal: Speed Metal #1, and Dark Nights: Death Metal: Multiverse s End #1. This collection also features a host of behind-the-scenes material from the creation of these issues!

Read more less

Throughout history, infantry has been the main attacking force deployed by armies around the world, but positioning substantial infantry forces has always required precious time to assemble the troops to launch an attack or form defensive positions. Transportation of men and their equipment has been a major issue through the ages, and one that was only partly alleviated by the establishment of railway systems in the 19th century and motor vehicles in the early 20th century. With the development of the German Panzerwaffe, military planners realized both the enormous potential of the tank as a breakthrough weapon, but also the issues faced by support units following the attacking force – including the infantry. A tank assault moved rapidly forwards and this required a motorized infantry which could keep pace with the attack and provide all necessary support. This motorized infantry element for a Panzer division was an integral Schützenbrigade (rifle brigade), and it was equipped with a suitable means of transport – the Schützenpanzerwagen (armoured personnel carrier). During Operation Barbarossa, German forces were faced by the Red Army and unforeseen weather conditions. With the onset of the harsh Russian winter the operation failed, and the war in the east entered a new phase. From experience gained from the operation, a new arm of the military was created: the Panzergrenadier. This groundbreaking book describes the development and evolution of the armoured infantry force that accompanied the German Panzers as they crossed the battlefields of Europe, as well as detailing the vehicles and equipment that were developed to support their specialized role.

Read more less

This new edition of the market-leading textbook by Paul Burns offers an unrivalled holistic introduction to the field of entrepreneurship and valuable guidance for budding entrepreneurs looking to launch their own small business. Drawing on his decades of academic and entrepreneurial experience, the author takes you on a journey through the business life-cycle, from the early stages of start-up, through progressive growth, to the confident strides of a mature business. Combining cutting-edge theory with fresh global examples and lessons from real-life business practice, this accessible and explorative textbook will encourage you to develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges faced by today’s entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship and Small Business will help you to: - Learn what makes entrepreneurs tick with brand new Get into the Mindset video interviews and an exploration of entrepreneuial character traits - Seamlessly incorporate multimedia content into your learning with the new Digital Links platform accessed via your smart device - Understand how worldwide events can impact small businesses through incisive analysis of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic - Grasp how entrepreneurship differs around the globe, with over 100 Case Insights and new examples from a diverse range of countries and industries - Ensure your understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape is up-to-date, with new chapters on recruiting and managing people, and on lean methodologies and business model frameworks. This is the ideal textbook for students taking undergraduate and postgraduate Entrepreneurship or Small Business Management courses, as well as for MBA students.

Read more less

This is one of two strip maps for anyone wanting to explore the river Wye by canoe. Designed by canoeists for canoeists, it is very much a 'hands on' map - waterproof and easy to use whilst paddling down the river - it even floats! It shows all the essential paddling information as clearly as possible at a large scale - 1:36,000. There are two maps in the series - this map covers the section from Hoarwithy to Chepstow (the section from Glasbury to Hoarwithy is a separate map - 9780995751309). This map includes Hoarwithy, Ross on Wye, Symonds Yat, Monmouth and Chepstow.The two maps cover all 161 km of the most popular canoeing stretch of the river from Glasbury to Chepstow. These are 'strip maps' - with 4 convenient sections on each map showing the river and the countryside on each side of the river. The base mapping uses O.S. geodata which has been edited and enhanced to show essential information as clearly as possible. The maps show roads, towns, villages, footpaths, rivers, streams, lakes, churches, farms, houses, woods and hills. Physical relief is shown with a contour interval of 10m.Canoeing information is highlighted with colour boxes and symbols to show recommended launch sites, rapids, campsites, pubs, cafes and canoe hire bases. There are brief guidance notes on paddling the river Wye and essential information for key sections. There are also up to date notes on other information sources - websites, books, etc. It should be invaluable for anyone planning a single or multi-day trip. Printed on polyart waterproof paper.

Read more less

Fantasy art, that colorful blend of myth, muscle and sexy maidens, took off in 1923 with the launch of Weird Tales magazine, was reinvigorated in the 1960s with The Lord of the Rings, Conan the Barbarian paperbacks with Frank Frazetta covers, and the late ’60s emergence of fantasy psychedelia. It went big in the ’70s with the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, the brilliant French magazine Métal Hurlant, and the first Star Wars film. The number of active artists peaked in that decade, but a new generation of fans discovered the genre through fantasy trading card games in the ’90s, leading to a massive interest in the art form today. Frank Frazetta’s oil paintings—when they infrequently come to market—have sold for more than $ 5 million in recent years. Fans line up at Comic-Cons to meet Boris Vallejo, Rodney Matthews, Greg Hildebrandt, Michael Whelan, and Philippe Druillet, and memorialize dead icons HR Giger, Jeffrey Catherine Jones, and Frazetta. Imagine how eagerly they’ll welcome TASCHEN’s History of Fantasy Art, including all the artists listed above and more. This monster-sized tome features original paintings, contextualized by preparatory sketches, sculptures, calendars, magazines, and paperback books for an immersive dive into this dynamic, fanciful genre. Insightful bios go beyond Wikipedia to give a more accurate and eye-opening look into the life of each artist. Complete with tipped-in chapter openers, this collection will reign as the most exquisite and informative guide to this popular subject for years to come.

Read more less

This is the well-written account of Jonathan Carridia's final years at sea as a senior second and chief officer. He chronicles the events that led him to leave the sea before being confirmed in a period of temporary command and relates the gruelling interview processes before being accepted as a mature student. Jonathan describes in atmospheric terms incidents in the Far East and the initial awe he experienced when joining a very large supertanker - the class of ship for which he had yearned since his early days as a cadet. Following a spate of serious accidents leading to loss of life and vessel, Jonathan's decisive role in questioning and challenging the casual approach to maritime practices current at that time is excellently portrayed...Once arrangements were confirmed I relaxed completely and savoured my final couple of voyages navigating this magnificent ship as extra chief officer...I remained convinced that 'swallowing the anchor' and venturing into a new career was the correct course for me to follow. The challenges of navigation and collision avoidance, plus the comradeship I had experienced at sea would truly be missed, but other than that I would leave the Merchant Navy without regrets. It was time to move on in life and doubtless carry a raft-load of diverse experiences and countless happy memories along with me. Thus concludes the third in the maritime trilogy by Ray Solly which will be of special appeal to those who have already enjoyed Mariner's Launch and Mariner's Voyage.

Read more less

A step-by-step guide on how to build your personal brand and business through savvy self-marketing, covering everything from social media to landing national TV interviews. Do you have a passion, but don't know how to turn it into your livelihood? Maybe you want to launch your dream business, but no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to build an audience on social media. Or you know you could speak with as much authority as the experts interviewed on TV, but you don't know the right people. The truth is, a lot of those experts you see are just regular people. They don't have special connections. Executive producers don't have them on speed dial. But they do know how to brand, market, and pitch themselves. And by the time you finish the book, you will, too! You will learn how you can use all types of media--from Facebook and Instagram, to podcasts and radio, to local and national television interviews--to establish your platform, build your business, explode your sales, and maybe even become one of America's most sought after thought leaders. With the same charm and authority that has made her the legal expert on Dr. Phil,co-host on The Doctors, and landed her regular appearances on Anderson Cooper 360, Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC and Fox, Areva Martin will show you how to:Use social media effectively to establish your brandWrite an irresistible pitchIdentify the right media outlets to targetAppear polished and authenticMultiply the media attention you get

Read more less

Transform your health with morning and evening meditations grounded in Dr. Stacie Stephenson's holistic approach to physical and mental wellness that centers around a VIBRANT lifestyle.No matter where you are in your pursuit of a healthier life, in just minutes each day, you can shine like never before! In this powerful book of meditations, inspirations, and motivations, functional medicine expert and bestselling author Dr. Stacie Stephenson provides an accessible and exciting plan to incorporate mindfulness practices into your mornings and evenings that can enhance your mindset, health, nutrition, and quality of life.Each day of the week in Glow focuses on one area of Dr. Stacie's VIBRANT strategy: Voice: how you talk to others and express yourself Intuition: how you listen to your inner voice Balance: how you juggle your many responsibilities Rejuvenation: how to slow down and find restoration Abundance: how to fill your life with good things Nurturing: how to love others well Thoughtfulness: how you can more mindfully embrace gratitude, kindness, and joy You'll also find weekly themes to help you develop a clear mindset and renewed sense of well-being in core areas of your life, including self-care, relationships, rest, communication, creativity, and nature.As Dr. Stacie has seen in her own life and in her years as a healthcare practitioner and nutritionist specializing in integrative medicine, the small things we do over time create life-changing shifts. Wherever your starting point, Glow helps you launch your journey to a more joyful, fulfilled, and luminous you.

Read more less

Batman has been one of the world’s most beloved superheroes since his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Clad in his dark cowl and cape, he has captured the imagination of millions with his single-minded mission to create a better world for the people of Gotham City by fighting crime, making use of expert detective skills, high-tech crime-fighting gadgets, and an extensive network of sidekicks and partners. But why has this self-made hero enjoyed such enduring popularity? And why are his choices so often the subject of intense debate among his fans and philosophers alike? Batman and Ethics goes behind the mask to shed new light on the complexities and contradictions of the Dark Knight’s moral code. From the logic behind his aversion to killing to the moral status of vigilantism and his use of torture in pursuit of justice (or perhaps revenge), Batman’s ethical precepts are compelling but often inconsistent and controversial. Philosopher and pop culture expert Mark D. White uses the tools of moral philosophy to track Batman’s most striking ethical dilemmas and decisions across his most prominent storylines from the early 1970s through the launch of the New 52, and suggests how understanding the mercurial moral character of the caped crusader might help us reconcile our own. A thought-provoking and entertaining journey through four decades of Batman’s struggles and triumphs in time for the franchise’s 80th anniversary, Batman and Ethics is a perfect gateway into the complex questions of moral philosophy through a focused character study of this most famous of fictional superheroes.

Read more less

Honored in his own time as one of the most prominent Indian public intellectuals, Henry Roe Cloud (c. 1884–1950) fought to open higher education to Indians. Joel Pfister’s extensive archival research establishes the historical significance of key chapters in the Winnebago’s remarkable life. Roe Cloud was the first Indian to receive undergraduate and graduate degrees from Yale University, where he was elected to the prestigious and intellectual Elihu Club. Pfister compares Roe Cloud’s experience to that of other “college Indians” and also to African Americans such as W. E. B. Du Bois. Roe Cloud helped launch the Society of American Indians, graduated from Auburn seminary, founded a preparatory school for Indians, and served as the first Indian superintendent of the Haskell Institute (forerunner of Haskell Indian Nations University). He also worked under John Collier at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where he was a catalyst for the Indian New Deal. Roe Cloud’s white-collar activism was entwined with the Progressive Era formation of an Indian professional and managerial class, a Native “talented tenth,” whose members strategically used their contingent entry into arenas of white social, intellectual, and political power on behalf of Indians without such access. His Yale training provided a cross-cultural education in class-structured emotions and individuality. While at Yale, Roe Cloud was informally adopted by a white missionary couple. Through them he was schooled in upper-middle-class sentimentality and incentives. He also learned how interracial romance could jeopardize Indian acceptance into their class. Roe Cloud expanded the range of what modern Indians could aspire to and achieve.

Read more less

A complete handbook on a critical issue for today's businessleaders-how to improve customer satisfaction, control costs, andmaximize profits Producing a product or service to heighten customersatisfaction-and doing so cost effectively-do not have to bemutually exclusive objectives. With Market Driven Enterprise, AmiyaChakravarty presents a state-of-the-art, clearly designed frameworkfor responding to market forces while keeping total costs incheck. The book's twelve chapters are divided into three sections:interfaces and decision-making in an enterprise, product design andtime-to-market, and responsive supply chains and manufacturing. Agenerous supply of real-world examples and more than 200illustrations enhance the book's readability-as does its detailedtable of contents breaking down each chapter into subsections forquick reference. Some of the book's most valuable featuresinclude: * An analysis of the entire product development and manufacturingprocesses in light of customer needs * An innovative treatment of digitally connected supply networksand new business models * A focus on the optimization of manufacturing and marketingprocesses for greater managerial insights leading to the highestpotential profit * Coverage of the most vital management techniques andphilosophies-concurrent engineering and quality functiondeployment, manufacturing flexibility, information transparency,collaboration, and the virtual enterprise-and their relationship tothe market-driven manufacturing process * Mathematical models for product-platform, product launch,supply-chain coordination, and market-driven manufacturing For students and professionals in business and engineering,production and operations management, marketing, or production anddesign engineering, Market Driven Enterprise is an essentialhandbook. Anyone whose business is striving to attain an optimalposition in a demanding marketplace will find it an excellent placeto start.

Read more less

Launched in January 2018, the Overwatch League (OWL) is the first large-scale concerted effort to build a competitive, global framework for an eSport that can rival the largest pro sports leagues. $3.5 million in prize money, a broadcasting deal with ESPN, and the purchase of OWL teams by celebrity owners including Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, and Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, set the stakes for the launch. The first season ended in a tense round of playoffs that climaxed in a suspenseful championship series in a sold-out Barclay's Center.Austin Moorhead, a gamer who found himself fascinated by the emerging world of pro players, embedded himself during OWL's debut season with multiple teams, including the London Spitfire, which would go on to become Overwatch's first world champion. In Young Guns, he takes readers behind the scenes of the wild first season of a competition that just might become as ingrained in our culture as Sunday football, revealing a high-stakes, pressure-cooker world of profane teenagers who earn six-figure salaries, TV executives and traditional sports owners struggling to understand and conquer youth culture, and a game whose innovation progresses so fast that fans watch their favourite gamers practice for hours just to keep up with it. Told with perspective on the subculture and unrivalled access into how both the OWL and the teams that compose it have built themselves to succeed, Young Guns is a fascinating look at the ascendance of competitive gaming and the future of sports.

Read more less

“Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event could have filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was transmitted by your order, and received on the fourteenth day of the present month.”With these words to the assembled members of the Senate and House of Representatives on April 30, 1789, George Washington inaugurated the American experiment. It was a momentous occasion and an immensely important moment for the nation. Never before had a people dared to invent a system of government quite like the one that Washington was preparing to lead, and the tensions between hope and skepticism ran high.In this book, distinguished scholar of early America Stephen Howard Browne chronicles the efforts of the first president of the United States of America to unite the nation through ceremony, celebrations, and oratory. The story follows Washington on his journey from Mount Vernon to the site of the inauguration in Manhattan, recounting the festivities—speeches, parades, dances, music, food, and flag-waving—that greeted the president-elect along the way. Considering the persuasive power of this procession, Browne captures in detail the pageantry, anxiety, and spirit of the nation to arrive at a more nuanced and richly textured perspective on what it took to launch the modern republican state. Compellingly written and artfully argued, The First Inauguration tells the story of the early republic—and of a president who, by his words and comportment, provides a model of leadership and democratic governance for today.

Read more less

In recent years, the contemporary Serbian political scene has been a much-discussed topic in the international media yet untangling the complicated web of parties and factions has become a more difficult task. Robert Thomas carefully examines the complexities of modern Serbian politics, largely in the words of the political players themselves. Drawing from a vast body of interviews and news coverage in Serbian and international media, Thomas brings the shifting political positions of these actors into sharp focus.The Politics of Serbia in the 1990s illuminates the chronic factionalism that has frustrated any attempt to unseat Slobodan Milosevic from the presidency. Opposition leaders have gone through many successive shifts in overall platform and specific tactical maneuvers, and this trend has made it difficult for them to launch a sustained, effective challenge to Milosevic. The Serbian president, meanwhile, emerges as a cunning manipulator of popular prejudices who has managed to retain power while leading the country into blundered wars and deepening economic distress. Dissecting Serb politics of the past decade, Thomas's study opens with a detailed overview of Serbian history and its communist years, and political dissent during this era. The book continues with in-depth explorations of such subjects as the fragmentation of Serb politics during the most deadly years of fighting in the region, the nation's fragile electoral politics at several critical moments, the alliance of radical and socialist groups and its rapid disintegration, and the aftermath of the Dayton accords. The author provides a complete list of abbreviations and a comprehensive index.

Read more less

Illinois political scandals reached new depths in the 1960s and ’70s. In Illinois Justice, Kenneth Manaster takes us behind the scenes of one of the most spectacular. The so-called Scandal of 1969 not only ended an Illinois Supreme Court justice’s aspirations to the US Supreme Court, but also marked the beginning of little-known lawyer John Paul Stevens’s rise to the high court. In 1969, citizen gadfly Sherman Skolnick accused two Illinois Supreme Court justices of accepting valuable bank stock from an influential Chicago lawyer in exchange for deciding an important case in the lawyer’s favor. The resulting feverish media coverage prompted the state supreme court to appoint a special commission to investigate. Within six weeks and on a shoestring budget, the commission mobilized a small volunteer staff to reveal the facts. Stevens, then a relatively unknown Chicago lawyer, served as chief counsel. His work on this investigation would launch him into the public spotlight and onto the bench. Manaster, who served on the commission, tells the real story of the investigation, detailing the dead ends, tactics, and triumphs. Manaster expertly traces Stevens’s masterful courtroom strategies and vividly portrays the high-profile personalities involved, as well as the subtleties of judicial corruption. A reflective foreword by Justice Stevens himself looks back at the case and how it influenced his career. Now the subject of the documentary Unexpected Justice: The Rise of John Paul Stevens, this fascinating chapter of political history offers a revealing portrait of the early career of a Supreme Court justice.

Read more less

As a giant of 20th century history, Mao Zedong played many roles: peasant revolutionary, patriotic leader against the Japanese occupation, Marxist theoretician, modernizer, and visionary despot. This Very Short Introduction chronicles Mao's journey from peasant child to ruler of the most populous nation on Earth. He was a founder of both the Chinese Communist Party and the Red Army, and for many years he fought on two fronts, for control of the Party and in an armed struggle for the Party's control of the country. His revolution unified China and began its rise to world power status. He was the architect of the Great Leap Forward that he hoped would make China both prosperous and egalitarian, but instead ended in economic disaster resulting in millions of deaths. It was Mao's growing suspicion of his fellow leaders that led him to launch the Cultural Revolution, and his last years were dogged by ill-health and his despairing attempts to find a successor whom he trusted. Delia Davin provides an invaluable introduction to Mao, showing him in all his complexity; ruthless, brutal, and ambitious, a man of enormous talent and perception, yet a leader who is still detested by some and venerated by others. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Read more less

The Russian war in Ukraine has been accompanied, fuelled and legitimized by a Russian information war campaign that is unprecedented in its scope and nature. Increasingly lurid in form, sometimes surreal, the Russian state-media propaganda campaign has been surprisingly successful in disguising and distorting the nature of the war and shaping the way it is perceived and understood, both in Russia and beyond.This special issue sets out to launch an interdisciplinary discussion on the Russian information warfare being waged in parallel with the military war in Ukraine. How is the war being packaged and narrated for domestic and international audiences? How are these narratives being received in Russia and in the West? How do we interpret and explain the imperial hysteria and hatred currently on display on Russian TV? What are the appropriate responses? How can we avoid the trap of allowing Kremlin propagandists to shape the terms and language in which the war is viewed? The JOURNAL OF SOVIET AND POST-SOVIET POLITICS AND SOCIETY is a new bi-annual journal about to be launched as a companion journal to the Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics and Society book series (founded 2004 and edited by Andreas Umland, Dr. phil., Ph. D.). Like the book series, the journal will provide an interdisciplinary forum for new original research on the Soviet and post-Soviet world. The journal aims to become known for publishing creative, intelligent and lively writing tackling and illuminating significant issues and capable of engaging wider educated audiences beyond the academy.

Read more less

"I was part of Fleur's British Interior Design Exhibition in London in the 1980s. The strength of Fleur's vision defined the event and made participation a real pleasure for me." - John Pawson, Renowned International Minimalist Architect, London The International Interior Design Exhibition (IIDE) came to Brussels in 2019 with heritage. First launched in London by Fleur Rossdale as The British Interior Design Exhibition (BIDE) during the 1980s and '90s, the event was highly acclaimed as a ground-breaking showcase for the design industry. With 30,000 international visitors to each, the exhibition helped propel interior design into the limelight, receiving worldwide press coverage and an insatiable demographic of private clients, hoteliers, designers and developers. Organiser Fleur commented, "Good design has a vital role to play in our everyday lives. It can improve how we live and function, be it at home, in the workplace, in education or on holiday. Interiors set a mood, portraying an identity that should feel enhancing and harmonious". Fleur, an active interior designer herself, chose Brussels for the re-launch due to the cultural heritage, not least as founders of the Art Nouveau movement. Fleur continues, "Decoration is all about bringing together skilled workmanship, colour, texture and fine art to create a melodious interior to enhance our everyday lives". The IIDE followed the ethos of past experience and showcased ten international designers, presenting their interior design vision to inspire private and trade visitors. This luxury coffee table book is a tribute to these new exhibitions, which is complemented by a short history of all previous exhibitions in London.

Read more less

'A superb romcom, with relatable and loveable characters that literally burst from the pages. With laugh-out-loud moments, woven between a heartwarming and hopeful story, it charmed me from the first page'Carmel HarringtonTrue love is only just a swipe away? Right?Iris lives by numbers. The only thing missing from her perfectly calibrated life is a partner - and not for lack of trying. After decades of disappointment, Iris practically has a PhD in online dating. But something still eludes her: that unquantifiable spark.Kim is too busy being the life of the party to look for love. Her terrible dates make great stories for her friends and co-workers, as long as she's not caught by her tyrannical boss, Iris.Connie, Kim's recently widowed mum, is single for the first time since the 1970s. The dating game has changed a lot since her day . . .Sick of being let down, Iris takes matters into her own hands - using her analytical skills to create the first real formula for love. With Kim and Connie on board, they launch Analyzed, a dating app like no other.As Analyzed takes the world by storm, are the three women in over their heads? Is love really just a numbers game?'A laugh on every page, entirely empathetic characters and a warm heart in the middle of the story. I found this book highly entertaining and totally satisfying' Liz NugentPraise for Claudia Carroll:'Brilliantly funny' Sun'An immensely talented writer' Sinéad Moriarty'Brilliant' Bella

Read more less

“Mary Gehlhar’s third edition of her seminal Fashion Designer Survival Guide is the definitive how-to for navigating the fashion industry, post-pandemic. Mary’s trailblazing book illuminates and inspires. She is a fashion treasure and this new edition is a rare gem.” Tim Gunn “The Fashion Designer Survival Guide is packed with essential knowledge and advice from industry experts and experienced designers to set you on the right path. These insights will give you the solid foundation to create a plan and make smart decisions…” Christian Siriano In this updated and expanded edition of The Fashion Designer Survival Guide, Mary Gehlhar, industry authority and consultant to hundreds of fashion design entrepreneurs, offers behind-the-scenes insight and essential information to launch and grow your own fashion label. You’ll hear from experts in social media, financing, and sales, along with advice from dozens of designers on solutions to their biggest challenges and their keys to success. A new section of full color photos from 25 independent designers bring the concepts to life. In this must-have guide, Gehlhar reveals essential information on: Creating a viable business plan Social media strategies to grow your customer base Maximizing online sales to get your designs directly into customers’ closets Integrating sustainability in your sourcing and manufacturing Collaborating with influencers, stylists and brands to expand your audience Landing the right financing for your type of business Establishing wholesale partnerships with the best retail stores Navigating the pitfalls of production both at home and abroad

Read more less

A no-holds-barred narrative history of the iconic label that brought the world Black Flag, Hüsker Dü, Sonic Youth, Soundgarden, and more, by the co-author of Do What You Want and My Damage.Greg Ginn started SST Records in the sleepy beach town of Hermosa Beach, CA, to supply ham radio enthusiasts with tuners and transmitters. But when Ginn wanted to launch his band, Black Flag, no one was willing to take them on. Determined to bring his music to the masses, Ginn turned SST into a record label. On the back of Black Flag's relentless touring, guerilla marketing, and refusal to back down, SST became the sound of the underground.In Corporate Rock Sucks, music journalist Jim Ruland relays the unvarnished story of SST Records, from its remarkable rise in notoriety to its infamous downfall. With records by Black Flag, Minutemen, Hüsker Dü, Bad Brains, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden, and scores of obscure yet influential bands, SST was the most popular indie label by the mid-80s--until a tsunami of legal jeopardy, financial peril, and dysfunctional management brought the empire tumbling down. Throughout this investigative deep-dive, Ruland leads readers through SST's tumultuous history and epic catalog.Featuring never-before-seen interviews with the label's former employees, as well as musicians, managers, producers, photographers, video directors, and label heads, Corporate Rock Sucks presents a definitive narrative history of the '80s punk and alternative rock scenes, and shows how the music industry was changed forever.

Read more less

Improve teaching practice through powerful professional conversations! Move beyond isolated teaching, passive observations, and ineffective workshops to be the leader who engages staff and affirms the value of reflective and informal professional discussions. Launch meaningful conversations and a powerful team of teachers who understand how students learn, what motivates them, and how to implement that research in the classroom. Good leaders know that sharing, discussing, and examining teaching practices and student work improves student learning through professional examination, inquiry, and growth. Educators who harness the power of informal professional conversation invite teachers to do the intellectual work needed to connect with students and boost achievement. The second edition of this powerful book includes: A new chapter guiding conversations to align with new state standards Outlines for specific conversation skills needed to initiate and succeed Mental maps, sample topics, and conversation activities Read Talk About Teaching! and build a culture of understanding, respect, and empathy that encourages your team to reach for new possibilities. "This is a great resource for leaders who regularly facilitate conversations with teachers. I use it in my graduate class in supervision and strongly recommend that students keep this book as a resource for the future." Diane Canino Rispoli, Clinical Professor of Educational Leadership and former school leader Syracuse University, Syracuse NY "The book’s major strength is that it combines a discussion of what constitutes good teaching and how to conduct productive professional conversations. This book would be an excellent resource for supervisors and principals." M. Susan Bolte, Principal Providence Elementary, Aubrey, TX

Read more less

An inspiring, rags-to-riches guide to achieving success in life and business by the founder of Myprotein®.How did a working-class 23-year-old, who left school with almost no qualifications, launch a business with just a £500 overdraft and turn it into more than £350 million? In Bootstrap Your Life, Oliver Cookson shares how he was able to build Europe's number one online brand using nothing more than his own limited resources and the right mindset. Self-sufficient and self-taught, Oliver always had an eye for opportunities and pursued them obsessively. His breakthrough came when he combined his passion for health and fitness with his skills as a web developer. By embracing a disruptive, agile approach to business, offering unparalleled choice, and identifying trends ahead of the competition, Oliver was able to grow Myprotein® rapidly into a top international, award-winning brand.In Bootstrap Your Life, Oliver doesn't just share his journey but uses simple language to break down every aspect of his thinking, providing a thorough step-by-step guide on how to think like an entrepreneur. His approach to marketing, innovation, strategy, leadership and other key elements are explained in great detail using memorable analogies that anyone can relate to.Oliver explains how bootstrapping his life catapulted him from an ordinary life in the suburbs of Greater Manchester to being included in the Sunday Times Rich List with a personal net worth of over a third of a billion pounds. His message is clear: bootstrap your life!

Read more less

The “magisterial” (The New York Times Book Review) second volume of Sidney Blumenthal’s acclaimed, landmark biography, The Political Life of Abraham Lincoln, reveals the future president’s genius during the most decisive period of his political life when he seizes the moment, finds his voice, and helps create a new political party.In 1849, Abraham Lincoln seems condemned to political isolation and defeat. His Whig Party is broken in the 1852 election, and disintegrates. His perennial rival, Stephen Douglas, forges an alliance with the Southern senators and Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. Violent struggle breaks out on the plains of Kansas, a prelude to the Civil War. Lincoln rises to the occasion. Only he can take on Douglas in Illinois. He finally delivers the dramatic speech that leaves observers stunned. In 1855, he makes a race for the Senate against Douglas, which he loses when he throws his support to a rival to prevent the election of a proslavery candidate. In Wrestling With His Angel, Sidney Blumenthal explains how Lincoln and his friends operate behind the scenes to destroy the anti-immigrant party in Illinois to clear the way for a new Republican Party. Lincoln takes command and writes its first platform and vaults onto the national stage as the leader of a party that will launch him to the presidency. The Washington Monthly hailed Blumenthal’s Volume I as, “splendid…no one can come away from reading A Self-Made Man without eagerly anticipating the ensuing volumes.” Pulitzer Prize–winning author Diane McWhorter hailed Volume II as “dramatic narrative history, prophetic and intimate.” Wrestling With His Angel brings Lincoln from the wilderness to the peak of his career as he is determined to enter into the battle for the nation’s soul and to win it for democracy.

Read more less

Robust Optimization is a method to improve robustness using low-cost variations of a single, conceptual design. The benefits of Robust Optimization include faster product development cycles; faster launch cycles; fewer manufacturing problems; fewer field problems; lower-cost, higher performing products and processes; and lower warranty costs. All these benefits can be realized if engineering and product development leadership of automotive and manufacturing organizations leverage the power of using Robust Optimization as a competitive weapon. Written by world renowned authors, Robust Optimization: World’s Best Practices for Developing Winning Vehicles, is a ground breaking book whichintroduces the technical management strategy of Robust Optimization. The authors discuss what the strategy entails, 8 steps for Robust Optimization and Robust Assessment, and how to lead it in a technical organization with an implementation strategy. Robust Optimization is defined and it is demonstrated how the techniques can be applied to manufacturing organizations, especially those with automotive industry applications, so that Robust Optimization creates the flexibility that minimizes product development cost, reduces product time-to-market, and increases overall productivity. Key features: Presents best practices from around the globe on Robust Optimization that can be applied in any manufacturing and automotive organization in the world Includes 19 successfully implemented best case studies from automotive original equipment manufacturers and suppliers Provides manufacturing industries with proven techniques to become more competitive in the global market Provides clarity concerning the common misinterpretations on Robust Optimization Robust Optimization: World’s Best Practices for Developing Winning Vehicles is a must-have book for engineers and managers who are working on design, product, manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, process, quality area; all levels of management especially in product development area, research and development personnel and consultants. It also serves as an excellent reference for students and teachers in engineering.

Read more less

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 199.Dynamics of the Earth's Radiation Belts and Inner Magnetosphere draws together current knowledge of the radiation belts prior to the launch of Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RPSP) and other imminent space missions, making this volume timely and unique. The volume will serve as a useful benchmark at this exciting and pivotal period in radiation belt research in advance of the new discoveries that the RPSP mission will surely bring. Highlights include the following: a review of the current state of the art of radiation belt science; a complete and up-to-date account of the wave-particle interactions that control the dynamical acceleration and loss processes of particles in the Earth's radiation belts and inner magnetosphere; a discussion emphasizing the importance of the cross-energy coupling of the particle populations of the radiation belts, ring current, and plasmasphere in controlling the dynamics of the inner magnetosphere; an outline of the design and operation of future satellite missions whose objectives are to discover the dominant physical processes that control the dynamics of the Earth's radiation belts and to advance our level of understanding of radiation belt dynamics ideally to the point of predictability; and an examination of the current state of knowledge of Earth's radiation belts from past and current spacecraft missions to the inner magnetosphere. Dynamics of the Earth's Radiation Belts and Inner Magnetosphere will be a useful reference work for the specialist researcher, the student, and the general reader. In addition, the volume could be used as a supplementary text in any graduate-level course in space physics in which radiation belt physics is featured.

Read more less

The host of The Bob Edwards Show and Bob Edwards Weekend on Sirius XM Radio, Bob Edwards became the first radio personality with a large national audience to take his chances in the new field of satellite radio. The programs' mix of long-form interviews and news documentaries has won many prestigious awards.For thirty years, Louisville native Edwards was the voice of National Public Radio's daily newsmagazine programs, co-hosting All Things Considered before launching Morning Edition in 1979. These programs built NPR's national audience while also bringing Edwards to national prominence. In 2004, however, NPR announced that it would be finding a replacement for Edwards, inciting protests from tens of thousands of his fans and controversy among his listeners and fellow broadcasters. Today, Edwards continues to inform the American public with a voice known for its sincerity, intelligence, and wit.In A Voice in the Box: My Life in Radio, Edwards recounts his career as one of the most important figures in modern broadcasting. He describes his road to success on the radio waves, from his early days knocking on station doors during college and working for American Forces Korea Network to his work at NPR and induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2004. Edwards tells the story of his exit from NPR and the launch of his new radio ventures on the XM Satellite Radio network. Throughout the book, his sharp observations about the people he interviewed and covered and the colleagues with whom he worked offer a window on forty years of American news and on the evolution of public journalism.A Voice in the Box is an insider's account of the world of American media and a fascinating, personal narrative from one of the most iconic personalities in radio history.

Read more less

Across the world, welfare states are under challenge—or were never developed extensively in the first place—while non-state actors increasingly provide public goods and basic welfare. In many parts of the Middle East and South Asia, sectarian organizations and political parties supply basic services to ordinary people more extensively and effectively than governments. In sub-Saharan Africa, families struggle to pay hospital fees, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) launch welfare programs as states cut subsidies and social programs. Likewise, in parts of Latin America, international and domestic NGOs and, increasingly, private firms are key suppliers of social welfare in both urban and rural communities. Even in the United States, where the welfare state is far more developed, secular NGOs and faith-based organizations are critical components of social safety nets. Despite official entitlements to public welfare, citizens in Russia face increasing out-of-pocket expenses as they are effectively compelled to seek social services through the private market In The Politics of Non-State Social Welfare, a multidisciplinary group of contributors use survey data analysis, spatial analysis, in-depth interviews, and ethnographic and archival research to explore the fundamental transformation of the relationship between states and citizens. The book highlights the political consequences of the non-state provision of social welfare, including the ramifications for equitable and sustainable access to social services, accountability for citizens, and state capacity. The authors do not assume that non-state providers will surpass the performance of weak, inefficient, or sometimes corrupt states but instead offer a systematic analysis of a wide spectrum of non-state actors in a variety of contexts around the world, including sectarian political parties, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, family networks, informal brokers, and private firms.

Read more less

The former CEO of Clif Bar, Co-founder of Plum, and serial entrepreneur offers insights about launching and growing a business while maintaining a fulfilled life in this practical guide filled with hard-won advice culled from the author's own sometimes dark, raw experiences. With a foreword by Steve Blank. Aspiring entrepreneurs are told that to launch a business, you must go all in, devoting every resource and moment to making it work. But following this advice comes at an enormous personal cost: divorce, addiction, even suicide. It means sacrificing the intangibles that make life worth living. Sheryl O'Loughlin knows there is a better way. In Killing It, she shares the wisdom she's gained from her successful experiences launching a company from the ground up (Plum), running two fast-growing companies (Clif Bar and REBBL), and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs (Stanford University). She tells it like it is: If you don't invest in your wellbeing, your business will not succeed, nor will you. Sheryl knows firsthand the difficulty of balancing the needs of her growing family with her physical and mental health, while managing other work and life challenges. In this warm, honest, and wise handbook, she gives you the essentials for killing it in business-without killing the rest of your life. Filled with real-life examples and anecdotes, Killing It addresses common questions including: * How do you prepare your significant other for your business venture?* How do you time launching and growing your business with the ebb and flow of family life?* How do you find joy in the day-to-day?* How do you maintain meaningful, supportive friendships?* How do you walk away and start again? The ultimate life and business course, Killing It gives entrepreneurs the tools they need to start their enterprise and thrive-both in the office and at home.

Read more less

Case study details the right way and the wrong way to successfully develop and market a new drug Beginning with the untimely death of a young mother, A History of a cGMP Medical Event Investigation unfolds a fictitious case study that captures how unchecked human flaws during the development and launch of a new drug can lead to disastrous consequences. Moreover, it illustrates how and why Six Sigma principles and methods should be applied to fully comply with FDA regulations at every stage of drug development and commercialization. From initial transgenic mouse studies to the FDA fatality investigation, this case study introduces all the key regulations and practices that govern the development, manufacture, and marketing of a new drug, including: FDA Investigational and New Drug Application Processes FDA Code of Federal Regulations' current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) ISPE Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP) Readers will also be introduced to a variety of managers and researchers whose personal agendas conflict with best practices and therefore compromise the safety and effectiveness of a new drug product. Throughout the case study, the author offers tested and proven practices and tips so that these human flaws are not translated into drug product flaws. These practices and tips are critical and typically can only be learned through years of experience working in competitive drug development environments. A History of a cGMP Medical Event Investigation is ideal for students in biotechnology, pharmacology, engineering, and business management as well as professionals in biomedical and drug development. All readers will discover what can go wrong in developing and bringing a new drug to market. Most importantly, they will also learn how to apply Six Sigma principles and methods to ensure safe and effective product design, development, and manufacturing.

Read more less

Democracies often go to war but almost never against each other. Indeed, "the democratic peace" has become a catchphrase among scholars and even U.S. Presidents. But why do democracies avoid fighting each other? Reliable Partners offers the first systematic and definitive explanation. Examining decades of research and speculation on the subject and testing this against the history of relations between democracies over the last two centuries, Charles Lipson concludes that constitutional democracies have a "contracting advantage"--a unique ability to settle conflicts with each other by durable agreements. In so doing he forcefully counters realist claims that a regime's character is irrelevant to war and peace. Lipson argues that because democracies are confident their bargains will stick, they can negotiate effective settlements with each other rather than incur the great costs of war. Why are democracies more reliable partners? Because their politics are uniquely open to outside scrutiny and facilitate long-term commitments. They cannot easily bluff, deceive, or launch surprise attacks. While this transparency weakens their bargaining position, it also makes their promises more credible--and more durable, for democracies are generally stable. Their leaders are constrained by constitutional rules, independent officials, and the political costs of abandoning public commitments. All this allows for solid bargains between democracies. When democracies contemplate breaking their agreements, their open debate gives partners advance notice and a chance to protect themselves. Hence agreements among democracies are less risky than those with nondemocratic states. Setting rigorous analysis in friendly, vigorous prose, Reliable Partners resolves longstanding questions about the democratic peace and highlights important new findings about democracies in world politics, from rivalries to alliances. Above all, it shows conclusively that democracies are uniquely adapted to seal enduring bargains with each other and thus avoid the blight of war.

Read more less

“A fitting biography of one of the most brilliant, acerbic, and under-appreciated astrophysicists of the twentieth century. John Johnson has delved deeply into a rich and eventful life, and produced a rollicking account of how Fritz Zwicky split his time between picking fights with his colleagues and discovering amazing things about our universe.”—Sean Carroll, author of The Big PictureFritz Zwicky was one of the most inventive and iconoclastic scientists of his time. He predicted the existence of neutron stars, and his research pointed the way toward the discovery of pulsars and black holes. He was the first to conceive of the existence of dark matter, the first to make a detailed catalog of thousands of galaxies, and the first to correctly suggest that cosmic rays originate from supernovas.Not content to confine his discoveries to the heavens, Zwicky contributed to the United States war against Japan with inventions in jet propulsion that enabled aircraft to launch from carriers in the Pacific. After the war, he was the first Western scientist to interview Wernher von Braun, the Nazi engineer who developed the V-2 rocket. Later he became an outspoken advocate for space exploration, but also tangled with almost every leading scientist of the time, from Edwin Hubble and Richard Feynman to J. Robert Oppenheimer and Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.In Zwicky, John Johnson, Jr., brings this tempestuous maverick to life. Zwicky not only made groundbreaking contributions to science and engineering; he rose to fame as one of the most imaginative science popularizers of his day. Yet he became a pariah in the scientific community, denouncing his enemies, real and imagined, as “spherical bastards” and “horses’ asses.” Largely forgotten today, Zwicky deserves rediscovery for introducing some of the most destructive forces in the universe, and as a reminder that genius obeys no rules and has no friends.

Read more less

A 2022 Best Comedy Book, VultureA rousing call for liberals and progressives to pay attention to the emergence of right-wing comedy and the political power of humor. "Why do conservatives hate comedy? Why is there no right-wing Jon Stewart?" These sorts of questions launch a million tweets, a thousand op-eds, and more than a few scholarly analyses. That's Not Funny argues that it is both an intellectual and politically strategic mistake to assume that comedy has a liberal bias. Matt Sienkiewicz and Nick Marx take readers––particularly self-described liberals––on a tour of contemporary conservative comedy and the "right-wing comedy complex." In That's Not Funny, "complex" takes on an important double meaning. On the one hand, liberals have developed a social-psychological complex—it feels difficult, even dangerous, to acknowledge that their political opposition can produce comedy. At the same time, the right has been slowly building up a comedy-industrial complex, utilizing the humorous, irony-laden media strategies of liberals such as Jon Stewart, Samantha Bee, and John Oliver to garner audiences and supporters. Right-wing comedy has been hiding in plain sight, finding its way into mainstream conservative media through figures ranging from Fox News's Greg Gutfeld to libertarian podcasters like Joe Rogan. That's Not Funny taps interviews with conservative comedians and observations of them in action to guide readers through media history, text, and technique. You will find many of these comedians utterly appalling, some surprisingly funny, and others just plain weird. They are all, however, culturally and politically relevant—the American right is attempting to seize spaces of comedy and irony previously held firmly by the left. You might not like this brand of humor, but you can't ignore it.

Read more less

Make sure your field experience is everything it ought to be with this gold mine of expert tips and guidance Congratulations! You are about to embark on what will be one of the most exciting (and demanding) phases of your hospitality training—your field experience, including internships, externships, co-ops, and practicums. This is your first chance to acquire real experience in the hospitality industry and begin to develop true professional competence. It can also be your first major professional stepping-stone, providing valuable references and contacts that will help launch your career. This easy-to-use workbook helps you make the most of your internship. Written by authors with more than fifty years combined experience preparing students for careers in hospitality and foodservice management, it helps you land a job that perfectly matches your career goals and ensures that your first professional experience is as educationally enriching as possible. Here's how it works: A total job-search guide helps you define your career goals, locate prospective employers, write winning resumes, and ace interviews. Comes complete with career goal worksheets, sample resumes, cover and follow-up letters, and many other valuable tools. Introductory Worksheets help you see the big picture of the hotel, restaurant, or foodservice where you will work. Training Goals help you identify all important job functions that you need to learn about during your work experience. Training Guides—comprehensive lists of job-related questions—help you focus your learning; correlate classroom theory with real-world work experience; involve your supervisor in the instruction process; expand your knowledge of the departments where you spend little or no time; and more. Make sure your field work earns you more than just two credits toward your major with Your Hospitality Field Experience.

Read more less

At the launch of Operation Barbarossa, Army Group North was tasked with the operational objective of Leningrad—what lay between it and the city was 800 kilometers of the Baltic states, and 18-20 infantry divisions, two cavalry divisions, and eight or nine mechanised brigades of the Red Army. It was apparent that in order to succeed they would have to race through to the western Dvina and establish a bridgehead before the Russians exploited this natural feature to organise a defensive front. Panzer Group 4, which included LVI Panzer Corps and XLI Panzer Corps, was to lead the way. By the end of the first day the group had pushed 70 kilometers into enemy territory. Red counterattacks on their unprotected flanks slowed them down, resulting in the tank battle of Raseiniai, but the group managed to capture Dünaburg on the Western Dvina on June 26, with a bridgehead established shortly thereafter. The group then pushed northeast through Latvia to the Stalin Line. In mid-July Hoepner was preparing to push the last 100 kilometers to Leningrad, however Leeb, commander of the army group, had other plans for the group and the advance did not continue for several more weeks.This account of Panzer Group 4's advance was written by Walter Chales de Beaulieu, chief of staff of Panzer Group 4. Published in German in 1961, this is the first English translation. Beaulieu not only gives a detailed account of the Panzer Group's advance, but also offers an assessment of the fighting, an examination of how Panzer Group 4's operations were affected by the limitations imposed on Army Group North, and the lessons that can be learnt from its experiences in the Baltic States. He concludes with a discussion of whether Leningrad could ever have been taken.

Read more less

This is a travel guide with a difference..."Graffiti Travel Guide: Singapore" is a novel concept. It is a mode-with-love book where pictures, words and design come together to evoke the heart and soul of the city - for independent, adventurous and savvy globetrotters."Graffiti Travel Guide: Singapore" conjures a realistic image of the city told in a poetic and creative style by those who live in and love the city. This book informs with top insider recommendations and doesn't overwhelm readers with information but gives them room to discover Singapore for themselves.The guidebook reveals some of Singapore's "secret" corners, as well as the more well known areas and covers, in a refreshingly modern style, all the requirements for getting the most out of a trip - be it dining out, shopping, culture or accommodation. The book is crammed with useful information laid out amongst bright and colourful photos and pictures, giving an eye-catching insight into Singapore life and culture for the adventurous and independent traveller, who wishes to dig deeper and explore new experiences.Every page is different, and designed to reflect the atmosphere of the places/customs that it covers. It is not just a guide - it's also a handbook to Singapore's people and places, a handsome souvenir for visitors, and a launch pad for creative interpretations about each topic.Most travel guides are 'researched' and written by people who have visited the location just a few times. This book takes on 30 professional as well as first time writers, designers and photographers who love the city, grew up in it and know it like the back of their hand - the result is a revelation of interesting people and places that only insiders know.

Read more less

"...a great resource for the art and textile enthusiast..." Classic Stitches, 2010. The most gifted textile designer of her generation, Shirley Craven won a string of awards during the 1960's. This book celebrates her remarkable achievements at Hull Traders and documents her arresting hand screen-printed furnishing fabrics in full. Big bold abstracts were her speciality, striking in colour and breathtakingly original in style. A visionary small company with high ideals, Hull Traders made its mark initially with designs by artists Eduardo Paolozzi, Nigel Henderson and Ivon Hitchens. Under Craven's direction Hull Traders issued a string of ground-breaking textiles during the 1960's by forty artist-designers, recorded here in their entirety for the first time. Contributors included Althea McNish, John Drummond, Peter McCulloch, Doreen Dyall, Roger Limbrick, Cliff Holden, Richard Allen and Dorothy Carr. In 1966 Hull Traders branched out into furniture with the launch of Bernard Holdaway's revolutionary tomotom range made of painted cardboard tubes - an icon of the Swinging Sixties, based entirely on circular forms, sold all over the world. Drawing on pioneering new research by leading post-war design historian Lesley Jackson, this book traces the fascinating, hitherto untold story of Hull Traders and its unique creative alliance with Shirley Craven and Bernard Holdaway. Featuring stunning new photography and rare archive photographs, it captures the explosion of creativity during the 1960's and provides a visual feast of inspirational post-war pattern and form. Beautifully designed, Shirley Craven and Hull Traders is a companion volume to Jacqueline Groag ISBN: 9781851495900, Zandra Rhodes: Textiles Revolution, Medals, Wiggles and Pop 1961-1971, Artists' Textiles: In America and Britain 1945-1976 ISBN: 9781851496297 and Pop! Design, Culture, Fashion 1955-1976 ISBN: 9781851496907, all recently published, to great acclaim, by Antique Collectors' Club.

Read more less

Harness your company’s incumbent advantages to win the digital disruption game Goliath’s Revenge is the practical guide for how executives and aspiring leaders of established companies can run the Silicon Valley playbook for themselves and capitalize on digital disruption. Technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, internet of things, blockchain, and immersive experiences are changing the basis of competition in every industry. New competitors are emerging while traditional ones are falling behind. Periods of intense change provide remarkable opportunities. Goliath’s Revenge delivers an insider’s view of how industry leaders like General Motors, NASA, The Weather Channel, Hitachi, Mastercard, Proctor & Gamble, Penn Medicine, Discovery, and Cisco are accelerating innovation, building new skills, and disrupting themselves to come out stronger in this post-digital age. Learn how to leverage your company’s scale, reach, data, and expertise to launch breakthrough offerings that fend off attackers and secure your position as a future industry leader. Using real success cases and recommendations, this invaluable resource shows how to realign your business model, reset your talent development priorities, and retake market share lost to digital-ready competitors. Drawing from extensive experience in digital transformation, leadership development, and strategic planning, the authors show how established companies can switch from defense to offense to thrive in this new digital environment. Learn the six new rules that separate winners from losers in the age of digital disruption Prioritize your innovation investments to rebuild your competitive moat Employ smart cannibalization to defend your core business Deliver step-change customer outcomes to grow into adjacent markets Reframe your purpose and make talent the centerpiece of your digital innovation strategy Goliath’s Revenge is a must-read for business leaders and innovators in small, mid-sized, and large organizations trying to win the digital disruption game. This book helps you reset both your company strategy and professional development priorities for long-term success.

Read more less

Designing Brand Identity Design/Business Whether you’re the project manager for your company’s rebrand, or you need to educate your staff or your students about brand fundamentals, Designing Brand Identity is the quintessential resource. From research to brand strategy to design execution, launch and governance, Designing Brand identity is a compendium of tools for branding success and best practices for inspiration. 3 sections: brand fundamentals, process basics, and case studies. Over 100 branding subjects, checklists, tools, and diagrams. 50 case studies that describe goals, process, strategy, solution, and results. Over 700 illustrations of brand touchpoints. More than 400 quotes from branding experts, CEOs, and design gurus. Designing Brand Identity is a comprehensive, pragmatic, and easy-to-understand resource for all brand builders—global and local. It’s an essential reference for implementing an entire brand system. Carlos Martinez Onaindia Global Brand Studio Leader Deloitte Alina Wheeler explains better than anyone else what identity design is and how it functions. There’s a reason this is the 5th edition of this classic. Paula Scher Partner Pentagram Designing Brand Identity is the book that first taught me how to build brands. For the past decade, it’s been my blueprint for using design to impact people, culture, and business. Alex Center Design Director The Coca-Cola Company Alina Wheeler’s book has helped so many people face the daunting challenge of defining their brand. Andrew Ceccon Executive Director, Marketing FS Investments If branding was a religion, Alina Wheeler would be its goddess, and Designing Brand Identity its bible. Olka Kazmierczak Founder Pop Up Grupa The 5th edition of Designing Brand Identity is the Holy Grail. This book is the professional gift you have always wanted. Jennifer Francis Director of Marketing, Communications, and Visitor Experience Louvre Abu Dhabi

Read more less

Ask Americans to think of a famous architect and the person they are most likely to name is Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright's work, his reputation, and his long and colorful career have made him an icon of modern American architecture. But despite his status as America's most celebrated architect, his influence throughout an active practice spanning the years 1896 to 1959 is so wide and complex that it has been difficult to grasp fully. The essays in this book look not at the United States, the context usually associated with Wright, but at countries around the globe. Anthony Alofsin has assembled a superb collection of scholars to examine Wright's importance from Japan to Great Britain, France to Chile, Mexico to Russia, and the Middle East. Interwoven in the essays are stories of champions and critics, rivals and acolytes, books and exhibitions, attitudes toward America and individualism, and the many ways Wright's ideas were brought to the world. Together the essays represent a first look at Wright's impact abroad, some from the perspective of natives of the countries discussed and others from that of informed outsiders. Of special note is Bruno Zevi's firsthand account of traveling with Wright in Italy. Zevi was instrumental in bringing Wright's ideas to Italy and in helping launch the movement for organic architecture. Of unusual interest in light of today's events in Iraq is Mina Marefat's essay on Wright's elaborate designs for a cultural center for the city of Baghdad. The Baghdad projects, which were never realized after the assassination of King Faisal II, were Wright's principal focus in his last decade. In searching out the little known rather than reexamining the well-established aspects of Frank Lloyd Wright's work, this collection is a rewarding exploration of his vision and influence.

Read more less