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Understanding Organization Through Culture and Structure: Relational and Other Lessons From the African American Organization (Routledge Communication Series)
by Anne Maydan Nicotera Marcia J. Clinkscales Felicia R. WalkerUnderstanding Organization Through Culture and Structure: Relational and Other Lessons From the African American Organization presents an innovative view of organizations and the communication processes that constitute them. Arguing that human beings are communicatively embedded in their cultures, Anne Maydan Nicotera and Marcia J. Clinkscales, working with Felicia R. Walker, examine issues concerning task and relational orientations and the ways they and other cultural dimensions connect with organizational structure and function for predominantly African American organizations. Utilizing the results of their own research on organizations, they develop a set of humanistically-based models that illustrate how hidden cultural processes suffuse organizational life and are manifest through communication. Emphasizing the development of alternative theories and models of organizing which are rooted in African-American culture, such as team-based versus hierarchy-based interactions, this book explores such organizational functions as leadership and management, power, authority and control, communication and interpersonal dynamics, and cultural identity and human development. Applying their findings in a broader analysis of contemporary practices in organizational restructuring, the authors present research that serves as the foundation for generating several emergent models with significant implications for organizational systems. Understanding Organization Through Culture and Structure stimulates and inspires current researchers of organizational communication, and is certain to raise greater awareness of the operation of culture in organizing. The text is intended for scholars and students in organizational communication, management, organizational psychology, African studies, and related areas.
Understanding Photojournalism
by Jennifer Good Paul LoweUnderstanding Photojournalism explores the interface between theory and practice at the heart of photojournalism, mapping out the critical questions that photojournalists and picture editors consider in their daily practice and placing these in context. Outlining the history and theory of photojournalism, this textbook explains its historical and contemporary development; who creates, selects and circulates images; and the ethics, aesthetics and politics of the practice. Carefully chosen, international case studies represent a cross section of key photographers, practices and periods within photojournalism, enabling students to understand the central questions and critical concepts. Illustrated with a range of photographs and case material, including interviews with contemporary photojournalists, this book is essential reading for students taking university and college courses on photography within a wide range of disciplines and includes an annotated guide to further reading and a glossary of terms to further expand your studies.
Understanding Public Speaking: A Learner's Guide to Persuasive Oratory
by Braj MohanPublic speaking is a much coveted yet difficult art. This book illustrates the use of various linguistic devices and persuasive strategies with examples from the speeches of powerful orators in history. It systematically draws on the various approaches to public speaking and persuasive discourse to present new insights and techniques. The volume: Critically examines strategies of persuasive oratory. Draws on extensive investigation of a corpus of famous public speeches in history. Focuses on the needs of those who want to brush up their public speaking skills. The volume will be a key reference for aspiring civil servants, lawyers, business and corporate professionals, and politicians. It will be of great interest to scholars of linguistics, and political and business communication.
Understanding Signed Languages (Understanding Language)
by Erin Wilkinson Jill P. MorfordUnderstanding Signed Languages provides a broad and accessible introduction to the science of language, with evidence drawn from signed languages around the world. Readers will learn about language through a unique set of signed language studies that will surprise them with the diversity of ways human languages achieve the same functional goals of communication. Designed for students with no prior knowledge of signed languages or linguistics, this book features: A comprehensive introduction to the sub-fields of linguistics, including sociolinguistics, linguistic structure, language change, language acquisition, and bilingualism; Examples from more than 50 of the world’s signed languages and a brief “Language in Community” snapshot in each chapter highlighting one signed language and the researchers who are documenting it; Opportunities to reflect on how language ideologies have shaped scientific inquiry and contributed to linguistic bias; Review and discussion questions, useful websites, and pointers to additional readings and resources at the end of each chapter. Understanding Signed Languages provides instructors with a primary or secondary text to enliven the discourse in introductory classes in linguistics, interpreting, deaf education, disability studies, cognitive science, human diversity, and communication sciences and disorders. Students will develop an appreciation for the language-specific and universal characteristics of signed languages and the global communities in which they emerge.
Understanding Spectrum Liberalisation
by Martin Sims Toby Youell Richard WomersleyUntil the 1990s, almost all spectrum licenses were given away practically for free-even the first mobile licenses which laid the foundation for multi-billion dollar companies that dominate stock markets around the world. In the past fifteen years, there has been a concerted attempt to liberalise the sector and make it more open to market forces. Th
Understanding the Arab Culture, 2nd Edition: A Practical Cross-cultural Guide To Working In The Arab World
by Jehad Al-OmariUnderstanding the Arab Culture is a thoroughly practical crosscultural guide to working with Arab cultures, written with theWesterner in mind.The book focuses more on the key differences than similarities, issues that Westerners will find puzzling, unusual or difficult to cope with. It is based on years of experience of lecturing to Westerners and a long list of frequently asked questions. It addresses Western perceptions and misconceptions of Arabs, Islam and the Arab world as well as some key Arab perceptions of the West. Many practical tips are given on a variety of issues, from exchanging appropriate gifts to negotiating techniques.Contents: Preface; About the author; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. A cross-cultural Perspective; 2. Ten cross-cultural realities; 3. The Arab culture in a generic context; 4. The business pyramid; 5. An Arab perspective; 6. First encounters with Arabs; 7. Values and attitudes; 8. Experiencing Arabia; 9. Islam: away of life; 10. Doing business; Epilogue; Recommended reading; Index.
Understanding the Arab Culture, 2nd Edition: A practical cross-cultural guide to working in the Arab world
by Jehad Al-OmariUnderstanding the Arab Culture is a thoroughly practical crosscultural guide to working with Arab cultures, written with theWesterner in mind.The book focuses more on the key differences than similarities, issues that Westerners will find puzzling, unusual or difficult to cope with. It is based on years of experience of lecturing to Westerners and a long list of frequently asked questions. It addresses Western perceptions and misconceptions of Arabs, Islam and the Arab world as well as some key Arab perceptions of the West. Many practical tips are given on a variety of issues, from exchanging appropriate gifts to negotiating techniques.Contents: Preface; About the author; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. A cross-cultural Perspective; 2. Ten cross-cultural realities; 3. The Arab culture in a generic context; 4. The business pyramid; 5. An Arab perspective; 6. First encounters with Arabs; 7. Values and attitudes; 8. Experiencing Arabia; 9. Islam: away of life; 10. Doing business; Epilogue; Recommended reading; Index.
Understanding the Media
by Eoin Devereux'The second edition of Understanding the Media updates what has been recognised as a successful introduction to the study of the mass media.... The author furnishes examples from all around the world, underpinning the emphasis the book places on the concept of globalisation in understanding the modern media. The readings and questions force students to reflect critically on issues and encourage them to explore their own media-consumption habits.... The chapters are well organised and user friendly, with the chapter on globalisation highly recommended. Introductions to media globalisation often fail to provide a succinct and clear overview for first-year students - this chapter cracks the problem with a pithy description of the basic concepts and debates, interlaced with illuminating case studies and illustrative examples... The strength of Eoin Devereux's text is that the examples are familiar and relevant to present-day students and his style does not patronise or talk down to them.... Clearly written, comprehensive, well organised and up to date... This is an excellent introductory text for media studies students' - Times Higher Education Praise for the first edition: `An interesting book to read, written in a simple and transparent style and interlaced with topical, up-to-date examples of media events' - Journal of Educational Media 'This is...a well-organized, well-informed, student-friendly textbook, ideal for first-year undergraduates as a kicking-off point into the field of media and communications research. It deserves to be widely taken up' - European Journal of Communication Understanding the Media introduces key theoretical issues in media analysis and encourages students to use case studies to examine their own personal media use and exposure. Devereux applies a model of media analysis that gives equal weight to the production, content and reception of media texts. A particular emphasis is placed on understanding the mass media in a social context, and readers are invited to engage with a variety of questions about the increasingly complex mediascape in which we live our everyday lives. Now thoroughly revised and expanded this Second Edition: " Includes an additional chapter which draws together the book's key themes " Contains new and revised case studies with expanded discussions on media audiences and fandom and 'blogging' " New and revised extracted readings in every chapter " In addition, the book is now accompanied by an ancillary website with resources for students as well as slides for tutorials/lectures. Each chapter contains concise summaries, exercises, extracts from experts in the field, model exam and essay questions, as well as directions for further reading and research. This practical dimension to Understanding the Media will ensure that the book appeals to both teachers and students of the media in the 21st Century.
Understanding the Political Culture of Hong Kong: The Paradox of Activism and Depoliticization (Asia And The Pacific/hong Kong Becoming China Ser.)
by Lam Wai-manThis book challenges the widely held belief that Hong Kong's political culture is one of indifference. The term "political indifference" is used to suggest the apathy, naivete, passivity, and utilitarianism of Hong Kong's people toward political life. Taking a broad historical look at political participation in the former colony, Wai-man Lam argues that this is not a valid view and demonstrates Hong Kong's significant political activism in thirteen selected case studies covering 1949 through the present. Through in-depth analysis of these cases she provides a new understanding of the nature of Hong Kong politics, which can be described as a combination of political activism and a culture of depoliticization.
Understanding Women's Magazines: Publishing, Markets and Readerships in Late-Twentieth Century Britain
by Anna Gough-YatesUnderstanding Women's Magazines investigates the changing landscape of women's magazines. Anna Gough-Yates focuses on the successes, failures and shifting fortunes of a number of magazines including Elle, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Frank, New Woman and Red and considers the dramatic developments that have taken place in women's magazine publishing in the last two decades.Understanding Women's Magazines examines the transformation in the production, advertising and marketing practices of women's magazines. Arguing that these changes were driven by political and economic shifts, commercial cultures and the need to get closer to the reader, the book shows how this has led to an increased focus on consumer lifestyles and attempts by publishers to identify and target a 'new woman'.
Underwater Acoustic Networking Techniques
by Michael Goetz Paul Van Walree Roald Otnes Ivor Nissen Knut Rimstad Thor Husøy Alfred Asterjadhi Michele Zorzi Paolo CasariThis literature study presents an overview of underwater acoustic networking. It provides a background and describes the state of the art of all networking facets that are relevant for underwater applications. This report serves both as an introduction to the subject and as a summary of existing protocols, providing support and inspiration for the development of network architectures.
Underwater Communications and Networks (Textbooks in Telecommunication Engineering)
by Yi Lou Niaz AhmedThis textbook covers all related communication technologies of underwater wireless communication, such as acoustic communication, optical communication, and magneto-inductive communication. After describing each technology, the authors relay their pros and cons, as it is essential to learn the underlying mechanism, advancements, and limitations of these techniques. Therefore, this book provides basics fundamentals of the three technologies, their advantages and disadvantages, and their applications. The authors also introduce research trends, pointing readers in the direction of research in the field of underwater wireless communication. The book is an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of underwater communications. The book is also useful as a reference to undergraduate engineering students, science students, and practicing engineers. The book includes end-of-chapter questions and numerical problems.
The Underwater World for Digital Data Transmission (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Parikshit N. Mahalle Pooja A. Shelar Gitanjali R. Shinde Nilanjan DeyThis book covers all small details about Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSN). Researchers can use this book as a prerequisite before starting any research on underwater networks or underwater applications. This book covers the introduction, challenges, different architectural models for UWSN, various attacks on UWSN, underwater applications, and networking layers. The target audience includes professors and students in engineering, and researchers and engineers working on marine applications. In academic level, the book is helpful for students having Networking and Information Security as elective subject and doing projects in Wireless Networks. It is also helpful for spostgraduates and Ph.D. researchers to learn basics of Underwater Sensor Networks.
Underworld Gods in Ancient Greek Religion: Death and Reciprocity (Routledge Monographs in Classical Studies)
by Ellie Mackin RobertsThis volume presents a case for how and why people in archaic and classical Greece worshipped Underworld gods. These gods are often portrayed as malevolent and transgressive, giving an impression that ancient worshippers derived little or no benefit from developing ongoing relationships with them. In this book, the first book-length study that focuses on Underworld gods as an integral part of the religious landscape of the period, Mackin Roberts challenges this view and shows that Underworld gods are, in many cases, approached and ‘befriended’ in the same way as any other kind of god. Underworld Gods in Ancient Greek Religion provides a fascinating insight into the worship of these deities, and will be of interest to anyone working on ancient Greek religion and cult.
Undress for Success: The Naked Truth about Making Money At Home
by Kate Lister Tom HarnishThis book is for the bummed out, burned out, and stressed out professional, stay-at-home parent, or retiring boomer who dreams of a home-based job or business, but doesn't know how to make that dream a reality. Unlike the many "change-your-life" books that promise much and deliver little-Undress4Success provides expert, practical advice about: 1) what home-based jobs are available, what talents they require, what they pay, who's hiring, and how to land one; 2) how to use the Web to search for work-at-home jobs and business opportunities without being scammed; 3) how to turn professional talents into a freelance business; and 4) how to convince an employer to adopt a telecommuting program. Based on interviews with dozens of employers, home-based employees, successful freelancers, and leading telework researchers, this book shows readers the way home.
Uneducated: A Memoir of Flunking Out, Falling Apart, and Finding My Worth
by Christopher ZaraIn this &“hilarious and heartbreaking...must-read memoir&” (Publishers Weekly), Christopher Zara breaks down his winding journey from dropout to journalist and the impact that his background had in the world of privilege. Boldly honest, wryly funny, and utterly open-hearted, Uneducated is one diploma-less journalist&’s map of our growing educational divide and, ultimately, a challenge: in our credential-obsessed world, what is the true value of a college degree? For Christopher Zara, this is the professional minefield he has had to navigate since the day he was kicked out of his New Jersey high school for behavioral problems and never allowed back. From a school for &“troubled kids,&” to wrestling with his identity in the burgeoning punk scene of the 1980s; from a stint as an ice cream scooper as he got clean in Florida, to an unpaid internship in New York in his thirties, Zara spent years contending with skeptical hiring managers and his own impostor syndrome before breaking into the world of journalism—only to be met by an industry preoccupied with pedigree. As he navigated the world of the elite and saw the realities of the education gap firsthand, Zara realized he needed to confront the label he had been quietly holding in: what it looked like to be part of the &“working class&”—whatever that meant.Book Riot's Eight New Nonfiction Books to Read in May Book Browse's Best Books of May 2023
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
by Catherine GrayTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Gray's tale of going sober is uplifting and inspiring' - The Evening Standard 'An icon of the Quit Lit movement' - Condé Nast Traveller 'Fascinating' - Bryony Gordon 'Not remotely preachy' - The Times 'Jaunty, shrewd and convincing' - Sunday Telegraph 'Admirably honest, light, bubbly and remarkably rarely annoying' - Alice O'Keeffe, Guardian 'Truthful, modern and real' - Stylist 'Brave, witty and brilliantly written' - Marie Claire 'The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober came to me at a time when I much needed it... The book became my best friend, and got me through, and took me on a journey.' - Sadie Frost 'Particularly lovely, because it's not a deep and dark dive into someone's terrible addiction. It's a celebration of everything that she has gained from not drinking' - Laura Donnelly Ever sworn off alcohol for a month and found yourself drinking by the 7th? Think there's 'no point' in just one drink? Welcome! There are millions of us. 64% of Brits want to drink less.Catherine Gray was stuck in a hellish whirligig of Drink, Make horrible decisions, Hangover, Repeat. She had her fair share of 'drunk tank' jail cells and topless-in-a-hot-tub misadventures.But this book goes beyond the binges and blackouts to deep-dive into uncharted territory: What happens after you quit drinking? This gripping, heart-breaking and witty book takes us down the rabbit-hole of an alternative reality. A life with zero hangovers, through sober weddings, sex, Christmases and breakups.In The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, Catherine Gray shines a light on society's drink-pushing and talks to top neuroscientists and psychologists about why we drink, delving into the science behind what it does to our brains and bodies.Much more than a tale from the netherworld of addicted drinking, this book is about the escape, and why a sober life can be more intoxicating than you ever imagined. Whether you're a hopelessly devoted drinker, merely sober-curious, or you've already ditched the drink, you will love this book. 'Haunting, admirable and enlightening' - The Pool 'A riveting, raw, yet humorous memoir with actionable advice. A truly unique blend of storytelling and science that holds a universe of hope.' - Annie Grace, author of This Naked Mind 'Like listening to your best friend teach you to be sober. Lighthearted but serious, it's packed with ideas, tools, tips and, most importantly, reasons for living a sober life. This book is excellent.'- Eric Zimmer, host of podcast The One You Feed 'Gray's fizzy writing succeeds in making this potentially boring-as-hell subject both engaging and highly seductive' - The Bookseller 'Catherine Gray is an exceptional writer. Her exquisitely crafted thoughts on the joys of being sober are not only deeply honest and pragmatic, but she manages to infuse tons of humor. This is a delightful, informative, and compelling read for all those who are sober or seeking sobriety.' - Sasha Tozzi, Huffington Post columnist 'Catherine's writing style and voice captivate me. She has a way of translating her story into an experience I don't want to end. I want to drink every drop she produces.' - Holly Whitaker, founder of Hip Sobriety School and co-presenter of Home podcast 'This book is great. A balanced, informative and entertaining mélange of memoir, sociology and psychology. I identified very strongly with huge sections of it.' - Jon Stewart, guitari
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER (The Unexpected Joy Of #1)
by Catherine GrayGoing sober will make you happier, healthier, wealthier, slimmer and sexier. Despite all of these upsides, it's easier said than done. This inspirational, aspirational and highly relatable narrative champions the benefits of sobriety; combining the author's personal experience, factual reportage, contributions from experts and self-help advice.
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER (The Unexpected Joy Of #1)
by Catherine GrayGoing sober will make you happier, healthier, wealthier, slimmer and sexier. Despite all of these upsides, it's easier said than done. This inspirational, aspirational and highly relatable narrative champions the benefits of sobriety; combining the author's personal experience, factual reportage, contributions from experts and self-help advice.
The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary
by Catherine Gray**From the Sunday Times Bestselling Author**We're told that happiness is in the extraordinary. It's on a Caribbean sun lounger, in the driving seat of a luxury car, inside an expensive golden locket, watching sunrise from Machu Picchu. We strive, reach, push, shoot for more. 'Enough' is a moving target we never quite reach.When we do brush our fingertips against the extraordinary a deeply inconvenient psychological phenomenon called the 'hedonic treadmill' means that, after a surge of joy, our happiness level returns to the baseline it was at before the 'extra' event.So, what's the answer? The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary theorises that the solution is rediscovering the joy in the ordinary that we so often now forget to feel. Because we now expect the pleasure of a croissant, a hot shower, a yoga class, someone delivering our shopping to our door, we no longer feel its buzz. The joy of it whips through us like a bullet train, without pause.Catherine Gray was a grandmaster in the art of eye-rolling the ordinary, and skilled in everlasting reaching. Until the black dog of depression forced her to re-think everything.Along the way, she discovered some surprising realities about the extraordinaries among us: that influencers risk higher rates of anxiety and depression, high-rollers are less happy, and huge frothy weddings increase the likelihood of divorce.Learning how to be exalted by the everyday is the most important lesson we can possibly learn. In Catherine Gray's hilarious, insightful, soulful (and very ordinary) next book, you may learn to do just that.PRAISE FOR CATHERINE GRAY'S WRITING:"Fascinating" Bryony Gordon."Not remotely preachy" The Times"Jaunty, shrewd and convincing" The Telegraph "Admirably honest, light, bubbly and remarkably rarely annoying" The Guardian(p) 2019 Octopus Publishing Group
The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary (The Unexpected Joy Of #4)
by Catherine Gray**From the Sunday Times Bestselling Author**Life-affirming - THE TELEGRAPHWonderful - INDEPENDENTShe made it her mission to learn how to be default happy rather than default disgruntled - RADIO 4 - WOMAN'S HOURTake a leaf out of Gray's book and be kinder to yourself by appreciating life just as it is - IRISH TIMESThis book came to me in an hour of need - during lockdown when I had to focus on the positive, appreciate simple things, not lose my shit, and value each day. It was a pure joy for me and held my hand - SADIE FROSTInteresting and joyful. Lights a path that could help us to build resilience against society's urging to compare life milestones with peers - LANCET PSYCHIATRY Underwhelmed by your ordinary existence? Disillusioned with your middlin' wage, average body, 'bijou' living situation and imperfect loved ones? Welcome to the club. There are billions of us. The 'default disenchanted'. But, it's not us being brats. Two deeply inconvenient psychological phenomenons conspire against our satisfaction. We have negatively-biased brains, which zoom like doom-drones in on what's wrong with our day, rather than what's right. (Back in the mists of time, this negative bias saved our skins, but now it just makes us anxious). Also, something called the 'hedonic treadmill' means we eternally quest for better, faster, more, like someone stuck on a dystopian, never-ending treadmill. Thankfully, there are scientifically-proven ways in which we can train our brains to be more positive-seeking. And to take a rest from this tireless pursuit. Whew.Catherine Gray knits together illuminating science and hilarious storytelling, unveiling captivating research showing that big bucks don't mean big happiness, extraordinary experiences have a 'comedown' and budget weddings predict a lower chance of divorce. She reminds us what an average body actually is, reveals that exercising for weight loss means we do less exercise, and explores the modern tendency to not just try to keep up with the Murphys, but keep up with the Mega-Murphies (see: the social media elite).Come on in to this soulful and life-affirming read, to discover why an ordinary life may well be the most satisfying one of all.
The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary (The Unexpected Joy Of #4)
by Catherine Gray**From the Sunday Times Bestselling Author**Life-affirming - THE TELEGRAPHWonderful - INDEPENDENTShe made it her mission to learn how to be default happy rather than default disgruntled - RADIO 4 - WOMAN'S HOURTake a leaf out of Gray's book and be kinder to yourself by appreciating life just as it is - IRISH TIMESThis book came to me in an hour of need - during lockdown when I had to focus on the positive, appreciate simple things, not lose my shit, and value each day. It was a pure joy for me and held my hand - SADIE FROSTInteresting and joyful. Lights a path that could help us to build resilience against society's urging to compare life milestones with peers - LANCET PSYCHIATRY Underwhelmed by your ordinary existence? Disillusioned with your middlin' wage, average body, 'bijou' living situation and imperfect loved ones? Welcome to the club. There are billions of us. The 'default disenchanted'. But, it's not us being brats. Two deeply inconvenient psychological phenomenons conspire against our satisfaction. We have negatively-biased brains, which zoom like doom-drones in on what's wrong with our day, rather than what's right. (Back in the mists of time, this negative bias saved our skins, but now it just makes us anxious). Also, something called the 'hedonic treadmill' means we eternally quest for better, faster, more, like someone stuck on a dystopian, never-ending treadmill. Thankfully, there are scientifically-proven ways in which we can train our brains to be more positive-seeking. And to take a rest from this tireless pursuit. Whew.Catherine Gray knits together illuminating science and hilarious storytelling, unveiling captivating research showing that big bucks don't mean big happiness, extraordinary experiences have a 'comedown' and budget weddings predict a lower chance of divorce. She reminds us what an average body actually is, reveals that exercising for weight loss means we do less exercise, and explores the modern tendency to not just try to keep up with the Murphys, but keep up with the Mega-Murphies (see: the social media elite).Come on in to this soulful and life-affirming read, to discover why an ordinary life may well be the most satisfying one of all.
Unfolding the Napkin: The Hands-On Method for Solving Complex Problems with Simple Pictures
by Dan RoamAn original workbook companion to the acclaimed business bestseller The Back of the Napkin Dan Roam's The Back of the Napkin, a BusinessWeek bestseller, taught readers the power of brainstorming and communicating with pictures. It presented a new and exciting way to solve all kinds of problems-from the boardroom to the sales floor to the cubicle jungle. The companion workbook, Unfolding the Napkin, helps readers put Roam's principles into practice with step-by-step guidelines. It's filled with detailed case studies, guided do-it-yourself exercises, and plenty of blank space for drawing. Roam structured the book as a complete four-day visual-thinking seminar, taking readers step-by-step from "I can't draw" to "Here is the picture I drew that I think will save the world." The workbook teaches readers how to: *Improve their three "built-in" visual problem solving tools. *Apply the four-step visual thinking process (look-see-imagine-show) in any business situation. *Instantly improve their visual imaginations. *Learn how to recognize the type of problem to choose the best visual solution. If The Back of the Napkin was a guide to fine dining, Unfolding the Napkin is the cookbook that will soon be heavily marked up and dogeared.
Unforgettable Galveston Characters (American Chronicles)
by Jan JohnsonFrom financiers of the Texas Revolution to contestants in the Pageant of Pulchritude, the shores of Galveston enticed and cultivated a host of memorable men and women. Bishops and bookies, concert pianists and cotton tycoons--all left an indelible print on their remarkable home. Magnolia Willis Sealy and the members of the Women's Health Protective Association reshaped the ravages of the Great Storm into the glories of the Oleander City. The benevolent activism of Norris Wright Cuney transformed the social landscape, while actress Charlotte Walker and painter Boyer Gonzales Sr. extended the island's cultural reach abroad. Jan Johnson keeps company with Galveston's most fascinating characters.
Unhitched
by Richard SeymourAmong the forgettable ranks of ex-Leftists, Christopher Hitchens stands out as someone determined to stand out. Rejecting the well-worn paths of hard-right evangelism and capitalist "realism," he identified with nothing outside his own idiosyncrasies. A habitual mugwump who occasionally masqueraded as a "Marxist," the role he adopted late in his career, as afree radical within the US establishment, had ample precedents from his earlier incarnation. It wasn't the Damascene conversion he described. His long-standing admiration for America, his fascination with the Right as the truly "revolutionary" force, his closet Thatcherism, his theophobia and disdain for the actually existing Left had all been present in differentways throughout his political life. Post-9/11, they merely found a new articulation.For all that, the Hitchensian idiolect was a highly unique, marketable formula. He is a recognizable historical type--the apostate leftist--and as such presents a rewarding, entertaining and an enlightening case study.