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Nora Webster: A Novel
by Colm ToibinFrom one of contemporary literature’s bestselling, critically acclaimed, and beloved authors: a “luminous” novel (Jennifer Egan, The New York Times Book Review) about a fiercely compelling young widow navigating grief, fear, and longing, and finding her own voice—“heartrendingly transcendant” (The New York Times, Janet Maslin).Set in Wexford, Ireland, Colm Tóibín’s magnificent seventh novel introduces the formidable, memorable, and deeply moving Nora Webster. Widowed at forty, with four children and not enough money, Nora has lost the love of her life, Maurice, the man who rescued her from the stifling world to which she was born. And now she fears she may be sucked back into it. Wounded, selfish, strong-willed, clinging to secrecy in a tiny community where everyone knows your business, Nora is drowning in her own sorrow and blind to the suffering of her young sons, who have lost their father. Yet she has moments of stunning insight and empathy, and when she begins to sing again, after decades, she finds solace, engagement, a haven—herself. Nora Webster “may actually be a perfect work of fiction” (Los Angeles Times), by a “beautiful and daring” writer (The New York Times Book Review) at the zenith of his career, able to “sneak up on readers and capture their imaginations” (USA TODAY). “Miraculous...Tóibín portrays Nora with tremendous sympathy and understanding” (Ron Charles, The Washington Post).
The Siren, the Song, and the Spy
by Maggie Tokuda-HallIn this second vibrant fantasy from Maggie Tokuda-Hall, companion to her best-selling debut, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea, a diverse resistance force fights to topple an empire in a story about freedom, identity, and decolonization. By sinking a fleet of Imperial Warships, the Pirate Supreme and their resistance fighters have struck a massive blow against the Emperor. Now allies from across the empire are readying themselves, hoping against hope to bring about the end of the conquerors’ rule and the rebirth of the Sea. But trust and truth are hard to come by in this complex world of mermaids, spies, warriors, and aristocrats. Who will Genevieve—lavishly dressed but washed up, half-dead, on the Wariuta island shore—turn out to be? Is warrior Koa’s kindness toward her admirable, or is his sister Kaia’s sharp suspicion wiser? And back in the capital, will pirate-spy Alfie really betray the Imperials who have shown him affection, especially when a duplicitous senator reveals xe would like nothing better? Meanwhile, the Sea is losing more and more of herself as her daughters continue to be brutally hunted, and the Empire continues to expand through profits made from their blood. The threads of time, a web of schemes, shifting loyalties, and blossoming identities converge in Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s remarkable companion to The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea, as unlikely young allies work to forge a new and better world.
Footprints in the Snow: A Novel of Meiji Japan (Routledge Revivals)
by Kenjiro TokutomiFirst published in 1901 and this English translation in 1970, Footprints in the Snow is one of the most popular novels in modern Japan. It is the story of the struggle of a penniless Japanese boy Shintaro Kikuchi, for education and emancipation. Determined to rebuild the family fortunes after his father's bankruptcy, Shintaro runs away from home in a remote corner of Kyushu, in the hope of making his way in the world. Robbed by pickpockets, he nearly dies of hunger and exhaustion, then after slaving for months as a money-lender’s boy eventually succeeds in reaching a Christian College in Kyoto. A brilliant student, he accepts Christianity enthusiastically, but is also repelled by the arrogance of the Western missionary teachers towards a Japanese colleague that he walks out in protest. At last, four years after leaving home, Shintaro arrives in Tokyo. Yet even in the city of his dreams his life is far from peaceful- Shintaro has to struggle to keep himself at University, to pursue his career as a writer and journalist and in order to marry the girl he loves.The original Japanese title of Footprints in the Snow is Omoide no Ki. Kenjiro Tokutomi ‘s novel is still read in Japan today and more than any other novel conveys what it felt like to be young in the days of Japan’s great transformation from feudal to modern state. This is an interesting read for students of Japanese literature, Asian literature, and literature in general
Majestica
by Sarah TolcserJurassic Park meets Skandar and the Unicorn Thief in this page-turning middle grade fantasy adventure set at a nature preserve for magical beasts, where two girls find themselves on a wilderness expedition gone disastrously wrong.Hattie Swift is a maid-in-training at Majestica, a resort and nature preserve where visitors come face-to-face with rare magical flora and fauna. She&’s thrilled to be invited along on the park&’s famous wilderness train excursion for the first time, but there&’s a catch: She has to accompany Evelyn Ridgewell, the hotel owner&’s haughty niece, who wants nothing to do with her.Soon after embarking, Evelyn overhears a man who aims to hunt the park&’s creatures for sport, and Hattie meets Jacob Threadborne, an apprentice magician sent by a foreign government on a top-secret mission. Then the magical fences keeping guests safe stop working, and the train breaks down in the most treacherous part of the jungle. Faced with poachers, man-eating trees, and a dragon on the loose, Hattie, Evelyn, and Jacob must stick together to figure out what&’s gone wrong at Majestica . . . that is, if they want to make it out alive.Features a richly illustrated map of the expansive nature preserve, as well as a bestiary with all the magical—and dangerous—creatures at Majestica.
Interrogator: The Story of Hanns-Joachim Scharff, Master Interrogator of the Luftwaffe (Schiffer Military History History)
by Raymond F. ToliverScharff, a German Intelligence Officer, gained the reputation as the man who could magically get all the answers he needed from the prisoners of war. In most cases, the POWs being interrogated never realized that their words, small talk or otherwise, were important pieces of the mosaic Hanns Scharff was constructing for the benefit of Germany&’s war effort. In the words of one erstwhile POW; "What did Scharff get from me? Nothing, yet there is no doubt he got something. If you talked about the weather or anything else, he no doubt got some information or confirmation from it. His technique was psychic, not physical." Another POW commented, "Hanns Scharff could probably get a confession of infidelity from a Nun!" To this day, ex-POWs fret and worry over what they said or even might have implied during their interrogations, and over what use Scharff may have made of their slip-ups. This book delves into the question: What was this magic spell or formula used by Scharff which made prisoners drop their guard and converse with him even though they are conditioned to remain silent? Hanns Scharff&’s methods broke down barriers so effectively that the USAF invited him to speak about his methods to military audiences in the United States after World War II. Raymond Toliver is also the author (with Trevor Constable) of Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe (available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).
The Fall of Númenor: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth
by J. R. TolkienJ. R. R. Tolkien’s writings on the Second Age of Middle-earth, collected for the first time in one volume complete with new illustrations in watercolor and pencil by renowned artist Alan Lee.J.R.R. Tolkien famously described the Second Age of Middle-earth as a "dark age, and not very much of its history is (or need be) told." And for many years readers would need to be content with the tantalizing glimpses of it found within the pages of The Lord of the Rings and its appendices, including the forging of the Rings of Power, the building of the Barad-dûr and the rise of Sauron.It was not until Christopher Tolkien published The Silmarillion after his father’s death that a fuller story could be told. Although much of the book’s content concerned the First Age of Middle-earth, there were at its close two key works that revealed the tumultuous events concerning the rise and fall of the island of Númenor. Raised out of the Great Sea and gifted to the Men of Middle-earth as a reward for aiding the angelic Valar and the Elves in the defeat and capture of the Dark Lord Morgoth, the kingdom became a seat of influence and wealth; but as the Númenóreans’ power increased, the seed of their downfall would inevitably be sown, culminating in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.Even greater insight into the Second Age would be revealed in subsequent publications, first in Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth, then expanded upon in Christopher Tolkien’s magisterial twelve-volume The History of Middle-earth, in which he presented and discussed a wealth of further tales written by his father, many in draft form.Now, adhering to the timeline of "The Tale of Years" in the appendices to The Lord of the Rings, editor Brian Sibley has assembled into one comprehensive volume a new chronicle of the Second Age of Middle-earth, told substantially in the words of Tolkien from the various published texts, with new illustrations in watercolor and pencil by the doyen of Tolkien art, Alan Lee.
The Inheritance: A Novel (Inspector Trave #1)
by Simon TolkienAuthor Simon Tolkien received rave reviews for his first legal thriller, The Final Witness. Now, in The Inheritance, Tolkien sharpens his craft even more, deftly weaving psychological suspense and family drama to create a mystery steeped in memories, betrayal, and the long shadow of the past. Part courtroom drama and part historical thriller, The Inheritance is a dark, dynamic thriller that tests the strength of blood ties, loyalty, and revenge.When a famed Oxford historian is found dead in his study one night, all evidence points to his son, Stephen. About to be disinherited from the family fortune, Stephen returns to home after a long estrangement—and it happens to be the night his father is shot to death. When his fingerprints are found on the murder weapon, Stephen's guilt seems undeniable. But there were five other people in the manor house at the time, and as their stories slowly emerge—along with the revelation that the deceased man was involved in a deadly hunt for a priceless relic in Northern France at the end of World War II—the race is on to save Stephen from a death sentence. Everyone has a motive, and no one is telling the truth. Unwilling to sit by and watch the biased judge condemn Stephen to death, an aging police inspector decides to travel from England to France to find out what really happened in that small French village in 1945—and what artifact could be so valuable it would be worth killing for.
Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy
by Ian W. Toll"A fluent, intelligent history...give[s] the reader a feel for the human quirks and harsh demands of life at sea."—New York Times Book Review Before the ink was dry on the U.S. Constitution, the establishment of a permanent military became the most divisive issue facing the new government. The founders—particularly Jefferson, Madison, and Adams—debated fiercely. Would a standing army be the thin end of dictatorship? Would a navy protect from pirates or drain the treasury and provoke hostility? Britain alone had hundreds of powerful warships. From the decision to build six heavy frigates, through the cliff-hanger campaign against Tripoli, to the war that shook the world in 1812, Ian W. Toll tells this grand tale with the political insight of Founding Brothers and the narrative flair of Patrick O'Brian.
Twilight of the Gods: War In The Western Pacific, 1944-1945 (The Pacific War Trilogy #3)
by Ian W. TollNew York Times Bestseller The final volume of the magisterial Pacific War Trilogy from acclaimed historian Ian W. Toll, “one of the great storytellers of War” (Evan Thomas). In June 1944, the United States launched a crushing assault on the Japanese navy in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The capture of the Mariana Islands and the accompanying ruin of Japanese carrier airpower marked a pivotal moment in the Pacific War. No tactical masterstroke or blunder could reverse the increasingly lopsided balance of power between the two combatants. The War in the Pacific had entered its endgame. Beginning with the Honolulu Conference, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt met with his Pacific theater commanders to plan the last phase of the campaign against Japan, Twilight of the Gods brings to life the harrowing last year of World War II in the Pacific, when the U.S. Navy won the largest naval battle in history; Douglas MacArthur made good his pledge to return to the Philippines; waves of kamikazes attacked the Allied fleets; the Japanese fought to the last man on one island after another; B-29 bombers burned down Japanese cities; and Hiroshima and Nagasaki were vaporized in atomic blasts. Ian W. Toll’s narratives of combat in the air, at sea, and on the beaches are as gripping as ever, but he also reconstructs the Japanese and American home fronts and takes the reader into the halls of power in Washington and Tokyo, where the great questions of strategy and diplomacy were decided. Drawing from a wealth of rich archival sources and new material, Twilight of the Gods casts a penetrating light on the battles, grand strategic decisions and naval logistics that enabled the Allied victory in the Pacific. An authoritative and riveting account of the final phase of the War in the Pacific, Twilight of the Gods brings Toll’s masterful trilogy to a thrilling conclusion. This prize-winning and best-selling trilogy will stand as the first complete history of the Pacific War in more than twenty-five years, and the first multivolume history of the Pacific naval war since Samuel Eliot Morison’s series was published in the 1950s.
The Fourth Island
by Sarah TolmieDark, mournful, and beautiful, Sarah Tolmie's The Fourth Island is a moving and unforgettable story of life and death on the hidden Irish island of Inis Caillte. Huddled in the sea off the coast of Ireland is a fourth Aran Island, a secret island peopled by the lost, findable only in moments of despair. Whether drowned at sea, trampled by Cromwell's soldiers, or exiled for clinging to the dead, no outsiders reach the island without giving in to dark emotion.Time and again, The Fourth Island weaves a hypnotic pattern with its prose, presaging doom before walking back through the sweet and sour moments of lives not yet lost. It beautifully melds the certainty of loss with the joys of living, drawing readers under like the tide.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Boys Boys Boys Box Set
by J. TomasFrom high school crushes to best friends, secret admirers to out-and-proud teens, these stories bring to life all the amazing -- and frightening -- aspects of falling in love for the first time. Whether you're sixteen and looking for stories about boys your own age or you're older and want to reminisce about the "good old days," there's something in this collection for everyone.NOTE: The stories in this collection are available as single ebooks, or you can buy the whole collection. Contains the stories:Caught, First Kiss, Gimme Pride, His Biggest Fan, Just a Little Note, My Online Secret Admirer, The Man Next Door, Trouble at School, Who's Watching Whom?,andWorth the Wait.
The Colony Box Set (The Colony #3)
by J. TomasThis collection combines both books in J. Tomas's successful gay dystopian YA romance,The Colony:Rebellion: In the Colony, Aine’s life was decided at birth. The girl next door is his Other, whom he will marry one day. As long as he continues to take his pills, life will be good and he will be safe. But when he accidentally drops one, he learns he has feelings for Kyer, his best friend. Another boy.Revolution: Aine and Kyer escaped the Colony, but it doesn’t take long for them to tire of living outside its walls. Aine decides to return and, as the next Overseer, bring about some much-needed changes. But breaking back in proves even harder than breaking out. They must dodge Officers, evade Monitors, and convince the people they deserves better. Will anyone listen?
The Making of the Citizen-Worker: Labour and the Borders of Politics in Post-revolutionary France (Routledge Studies in the Modern History of France)
by Federico TomaselloOver the course of the 19th century, European societies started thinking of themselves as “civilisations of work.” In the wake of the political and industrial revolutions, labour as a human activity and condition gradually came to embody a general principle of order, progress, and governance. How did work become so central to our systems of citizenship and social recognition?The book addresses this question by considering the French context in the long transition between the 1789 and 1848 revolutions and focusing on a specific “fragment” of history in the early 1830s marked by a pandemic crisis and the first consequences of industrialisation. It combines the analysis of both political institutions and social movements to retrace the rise of a labour-based social contract revolving around the “citizen-worker” as the quintessential subject of rights.The first part of the book highlights the role played by the genesis of the modern social sciences and analyses it as a political process that established work as an “object” of governance and scientific investigation, thus fostering pioneering measures of welfare centred on work conditions. The second part focuses on the emergence of the concept of “working class” and the modern labour movement, which structured the world of work as a collective political “subject.”Chapter 2 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.
The Pacific Northwest Seafood Cookbook: Salmon, Crab, Oysters, And More
by Naomi TomkyFrom Coho and sockeye to Dungeness and Kumamoto For thousands of years, the abundance of fish and shellfish in the Pacific Northwest created a seafood paradise for the Indigenous peoples hunting and gathering along the region’s pristine waterways, and, later, for the Chinese, Scandinavian, Filipino, and Japanese immigrants (along with many others), who have made this region home. Drawing on these diverse influences, the region fostered a cuisine that is as varied as its people, yet which remains specifically Northwestern. Here, food writer Naomi Tomky leads readers through an exploration of this cuisine. She starts with the basics of buying great-tasting and sustainable seafood, surveys the variety of seafood on offer—from stars like halibut and oysters to unsung heroes like lingcod and smelt—and shares 75 delicious recipes reflecting the people who live in the region today, including Red Curry Mussels, IPA-Battered Cod, Dungeness Crab Deviled Eggs, and Pink Scallop Ceviche. From the first cut of salmon, prized for its rich flavor and versatility, to the last crack of the sweet Dungeness crab, Tomky covers grilling, curing, and baking, and shares secrets for tricky tasks like removing pin bones and mussel beards. She explains how flavor-packed spot prawns put other shrimp to shame and why the region’s razor clams are unparalleled. For curious seafood rookies in search of the perfect fool-proof salmon and barnacled fish-cooking veterans looking for a new way to enjoy their favorite catch, The Pacific Northwest Seafood Cookbook is a must-have guide to cooking, and eating, the region. Including recipes from Tom Douglas, Shiro Kashiba, Bonnie Morales, Mutsuko Soma, Ethan Stowell, Jason Stratton, John Sundstrom, and more.
Tomlinson Hill: The Remarkable Story of Two Families Who Share the Tomlinson Name—One White, One Black
by Chris TomlinsonA New York Times Best Seller!Tomlinson Hill is the stunning story of two families—one white, one black—who trace their roots to a slave plantation that bears their name. Internationally recognized for his work as a fearless war correspondent, award-winning journalist Chris Tomlinson grew up hearing stories about his family's abandoned cotton plantation in Falls County, Texas. Most of the tales lionized his white ancestors for pioneering along the Brazos River. His grandfather often said the family's slaves loved them so much that they also took Tomlinson as their last name. LaDainian Tomlinson, football great and former running back for the San Diego Chargers, spent part of his childhood playing on the same land that his black ancestors had worked as slaves. As a child, LaDainian believed the Hill was named after his family. Not until he was old enough to read an historical plaque did he realize that the Hill was named for his ancestor's slaveholders.A masterpiece of authentic American history, Tomlinson Hill traces the true and very revealing story of these two families. From the beginning in 1854— when the first Tomlinson, a white woman, arrived—to 2007, when the last Tomlinson, LaDainian's father, left, the book unflinchingly explores the history of race and bigotry in Texas. Along the way it also manages to disclose a great many untruths that are latent in the unsettling and complex story of America.Tomlinson Hill is also the basis for a film and an interactive web project. The award-winning film, which airs on PBS, concentrates on present-day Marlin, Texas and how the community struggles with poverty and the legacy of race today, and is accompanied by an interactive web site called Voice of Marlin, which stores the oral histories collected along the way. Chris Tomlinson has used the reporting skills he honed as a highly respected reporter covering ethnic violence in Africa and the Middle East to fashion a perfect microcosm of America's own ethnic strife. The economic inequality, political shenanigans, cruelty and racism—both subtle and overt—that informs the history of Tomlinson Hill also live on in many ways to this very day in our country as a whole. The author has used his impressive credentials and honest humanity to create a classic work of American history that will take its place alongside the timeless work of our finest historians
Gate Crashers
by Patrick S. TomlinsonThe only thing as infinite and expansive as the universe is humanity’s unquestionable ability to make bad decisions.Humankind ventures further into the galaxy than ever before… and immediately causes an intergalactic incident. In their infinite wisdom, the crew of the exploration vessel Magellan, or as she prefers “Maggie,” decides to bring the alienstructure they just found back to Earth. The only problem? The aliens are awfully fond of that structure.A planet full of bumbling, highly evolved primates has just put itself on a collision course with a far wider, and more hostile, galaxy that is stranger than anyone can possibly imagine.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
In the Black
by Patrick S. TomlinsonIt's Hunt for the Red October in Space, with this brand new military science fiction novel from Patrick S. Tomlinson, In the BlackIn a demilitarized zone on the border of human space, long range spy satellites are mysteriously going quiet, and no one knows why. Captain Susan Kamala and her crew are dispatched to figure out what's going on and solve the problem.That problem, however, is a mysterious, bleeding edge alien ship that no human vessel could hope to match in open conflict. But, it's not spoiling for a fight.Now, the Captain and her Crew must figure out how to navigate a complicated game of diplomacy, balancing the needs of their corporate overlords, and the honest desire for a lasting peace between the two races, all without letting a long standing cold war turn hot.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Starship Repo
by Patrick S. TomlinsonStarship Repo is a fast-paced romp through the galaxy from Patrick S. Tomlinson.Firstname Lastname is a no one with nowhere to go. With a name that is the result of an unfortunate clerical error and destined to be one of the only humans on an alien space station. That is until she sneaks aboard a ship and joins up with a crew of repomen (they are definitely not pirates). Now she's traveling the galaxy "recovering" ships. What could go wrong?At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Superior Project Organization: Global Competency Standards and Best Practices (PM Solutions Research)
by Frank ToneyThis text describes global best practices, competencies, and standards of superior project organizations based on research conducted by the Top 500 Project Management Forum. It details the results of seven years of benchmarking and the bottom line value of project organizations in large functional enterprises. The text also highlights enhancements in professional image, job performance, and personal earnings.
Co-simulations of Microwave Circuits and High-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
by Mei Song Tong Xiao Yu LiThis book aims to provide many advanced application topics for microwave circuits and high-frequency electromagnetic (EM) fields by using advanced design system (ADS) and high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) as simulation platforms. In particular, it contains the latest multidisciplinary co-simulation guidance on the design of relevant components and devices. Currently, the circuit/field design and performance analysis and optimization strongly rely on various kinds of robust electronic design automation (EDA) software. RF/microwave engineers must grasp two or more types of related simulation design software. ADS by Keysight and HFSS by Ansys are the representative for circuit simulations and for field and structural simulations of microwave devices, respectively. At present, these two types of software are widely used in enterprises, universities, and research institutions. The main purpose of this book is to enable readers, who are interested in microwave engineering and applied electromagnetics, to master the applications of these two tools. It also helps readers expand their knowledge boundaries behind those types of software and deepen their understanding of developing interdisciplinary technologies by co-simulations. The book is divided into three parts. The first part introduces the two latest versions of ADS and HFSS and helps readers better understand the basic principles and latest functions better. It also advises how to choose appropriate simulation tools for different problems. The second part mainly describes co-simulations for high-frequency EM fields, microwave circuits, antenna designs, EM compatibility (EMC), and thermal and structural analyses. It provides guides and advices on performing co-simulations by ADS and HFSS incorporated with other types of software, respectively. The last part narrates the automation interfaces and script programming methods for co-simulations. It primarily deals with the Advanced Extension Language (AEL), Python Data Link (PDL), and MATLAB interface in ADS. For HFSS, it discusses VBScript, IronPython scripting, and Application Programming Interface (APIs) based on MATLAB. Each topic contains practical examples to help readers understand so that they can gain a solid knowledge and skills regarding automated interfaces and scripting methods based on these kinds of software. Concisely written in combination with practical examples, this book is very suitable as a textbook in introductory courses on microwave circuit and EM simulations and also as a supplementary textbook in many courses on electronics, microwave engineering, communication engineering, and related fields. As well, it can serve as a reference book for microwave engineers and researchers.
Cyber Sovereignty: International Security, Mass Communication, and the Future of the Internet (Global Power Shift)
by Lev ToporThe internet has become a battleground for global power struggles, with nations and even terrorist organizations wielding cyber-attacks to exert control. As the absence of binding international laws and norms leaves cyberspace largely unchecked, countries are seeking to establish their Sovereign Cyber Domains (SCD) - tightly controlled cyberspaces. In this illuminating monograph, the author explores how Russia, China, Iran, and others perceive the internet as a means for the United States and its allies to maintain global dominance and influence foreign audiences, driving their pursuit of strict regulations over domestic cyber affairs and mass communication. Yet, even the United States is now susceptible to foreign cyber operations, mainly foreign influence that undermines its domestic affairs. Even International Blocs like the European Union had expressed concerns about foreign influence and privacy rights abuses, leading to regulatory initiatives like the General Data Protection Regulation, Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. As nations prioritize cybersecurity and sovereignty over free speech and convenience, the book predicts a future of increased regulation across all layers of the cyber domain, mirroring the historical emergence of the concept of sovereignty.Drawing on a combination of political science, international relations, and cyber domain practices, this monograph offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and students. By analyzing existing cyber sovereignty processes and predicting future trends, the book contributes to international relations theories, sheds light on the challenges of an unregulated cyber domain, and provides guidance for a secure and controlled digital future.
The New Lean: The Modern Approach to Continuous Improvement
by Kyle ToppazziniIn today’s rapidly changing business landscape, organizations are challenged not only to adapt to evolving market dynamics but to excel in the face of uncertainty. Continuous improvement emerges as a strategic imperative, offering a systematic approach to enhance processes, boost efficiency, and drive innovation. This book delves into the heart of continuous improvement, providing a roadmap for organizations to navigate their journey toward maturity. The continuous improvement maturity model (CIMM) described in this book is not just a framework, but a holistic guide designed to support organizations in assessing and advancing their continuous improvement capabilities. As the author embarks on this exploration, he presents an approach that spans from foundational practices to advanced strategies. CIMM is a versatile tool adaptable to diverse industries, sectors, and organizational sizes. The key components of CIMM are: Integration with Best Practices—CIMM is not designed in isolation. We highlight its compatibility with established continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Change Management, and Leadership Attributes. Learn how to leverage existing best practices while embracing the unique contributions of CIMM. Practical Application—Real-world examples and practical insights illustrate how organizations have successfully applied CIMM to overcome challenges, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable excellence. These stories offer inspiration and guidance for your own journey.
Rogue Sequence: A Novel (Ander Rade #1)
by Zac ToppingIt's 2091 and independent contract companies around the world are producing genetically modified soldiers…to be sold to the highest bidders.Ander Rade is a super-soldier, a genetically engineered living weapon, and has been dutifully following orders since he gave himself to Scythe Industries’ Gene-Mod Program several years ago. But when a mission goes sideways, he’s captured, imprisoned, and forced into brutally violent fighting pits for the better part of the next decade…until agents from the Genetic Compliance Department of the United American Provinces appear in the visitors room.Things have changed since Rade was captured. Shortly after his incarceration, the World Unity Council banned human genetic engineering and deemed all modified individuals a threat to society. Overnight, an entire subculture of people became outlaws simply for existing. But instead of leaving Rade locked behind bars, the GCD agents have come with an offer: Freedom in exchange for his help tracking down one of his former teammates from that ill-fated mission all those years ago.It's an offer Rade can't refuse, but he soon realizes the situation is far more volatile than anyone had anticipated, and must take matters into his own hands as he tries to figure out whose side he’s really on, and why?At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Blackberry Fox
by Kathrin TordasiFor fans of the Wilderlore and Skandar series comes a thrilling middle grade fantasy adventure steeped in Welsh myths and legends about two intrepid friends who are tricked into opening the door to an enchanted world—only to get trapped inside.On a summer holiday in Wales, Portia and Ben find a mysterious door set in a bramble hedge in the middle of a forest. If the old stories about the wonders and dangers of the Otherworld hadn&’t long been forgotten, they may have realized the door was a portal to the perilous realm and should never be opened… Robin Goodfellow, the man with the fox shadow, needs someone to open the door in the brambles so he can finally return home, and he&’s willing to use the children&’s curiosity to his advantage and lures Portia under the guise of his innocent fox form. Once the portal is open, great danger arises, and Ben and Portia struggle to stop a powerful evil threatening both the human and the fairy worlds as they find themselves stuck in the wrong realm.
The Last Flight of Poxl West: A Novel
by Daniel TordayPoxl West fled the Nazis' onslaught in Czechoslovakia. He escaped their clutches again in Holland. He pulled Londoners from the Blitz's rubble. He wooed intoxicating, unconventional beauties. He rained fire on Germany from his RAF bomber.Poxl West is the epitome of manhood and something of an idol to his teenage nephew, Eli Goldstein, who reveres him as a brave, singular, Jewish war hero. Poxl fills Eli's head with electric accounts of his derring-do, adventures and romances, as he collects the best episodes from his storied life into a memoir.He publishes that memoir, Skylock, to great acclaim, and its success takes him on the road, and out of Eli's life. With his uncle gone, Eli throws himself into reading his opus and becomes fixated on all things Poxl.But as he delves deeper into Poxl's history, Eli begins to see that the life of the fearless superman he's adored has been much darker than he let on, and filled with unimaginable loss from which he may have not recovered. As the truth about Poxl emerges, it forces Eli to face irreconcilable facts about the war he's romanticized and the vision of the man he's held so dear.Daniel Torday's debut novel, The Last Flight of Poxl West, beautifully weaves together the two unforgettable voices of Eli Goldstein and Poxl West, exploring what it really means to be a hero, and to be a family, in the long shadow of war.