Mediocrity in Ten Easy Steps


Book Description

Mediocrity is quite dishonored, unobserved and totally unorganized. This book tries to bring the subject to real life. Based on experience the author hopes to provide benchmarks in the development of people so they can determine and manage their own direction. Readers may use the guideline to move up or, like a happy crab, sideways. Each chapter and subject uses a liberal dose of tongue and cheek to balance actual experiences in guiding the reader. There is constant and tiresome repetition to validate the theme of mediocrity. Readers may be amused, enraged, challenged but hopefully, not bored as they plow through the pile of droppings seeking the pony of truth. Al Michaud was born in North Carolina and graduated from the University of Illinois after a calm spell in the Navy during World War II. Recognizing the difficulty of hitting a moving target, Al moved through several careers with major and minor organizations specializing in real or impending disasters of a large scope. After retiring as a Vice President of Conrail, Al formed a one man consultancy giving ridiculous advice to credulous clients. Now he is enjoying life in a four stoplight town in Western North Carolina and chuckling at the eternal and perpetual repetition of all life’s artifacts. .




How to Write a Novel in 10 Easy Steps


Book Description

Do you have a clear sense of what the book you want to write is like, but you get stuck when it's time to start it, or when you get halfway through? Do you have images of characters in your head and dialogues that resonate in your mind, but you feel you lack the "instruction manual" to put it all together? If you can relate, this book is for you! Written in a clear and entertaining tone, here you will find proven strategies for planning an intriguing story from beginning to end. There are many ways to write a novel, but this book will show you a very easy, quick, step-by-step method, which focuses on: Character-plot synergy: characters evolve in sync with the plot, maintaining intrigue and offering the reader a more credible and satisfying conclusion. Flexible structure, valid for most literary genres. Evolutionary development of characters - from their introduction to the resolution of the main conflict. Impactful resolution of stories and inclusion of underlying messages to add layers of depth to the plot. Varied examples and exercises so you can practice with your own stories. Whether you are a new writer or an experienced one looking to perfect your skills, this book will be a great companion on your road to literary success. Other books by the author: Practical Workbook How to Write a Novel Step-by-Step: A Novel Outlining Book for Authors with Structuring Strategies and Worksheets Fiction Titles: Hidden Notes Stray Witch Witch's Mirror Witches' Masquerade Witches' Elements The Vampire's Assistant A Winter's Cobalt Kiss




How to Dismantle the English State Education System in 10 Easy Steps


Book Description

'A sharp and incisive account of how state education has been dismantled into a system of competing Multi-Academy Trusts. We were told ‘choice' would deliver higher standards. It didn't. It made the system more chaotic, wasteful and segregated. This book explains how it was done.' Alasdair Smith, National Secretary, Anti Academies Alliance Terry Edwards and Carl Parsons tell the story of the takeover of England's schools by the super-efficient, modernising, academising machine, which, in collaboration with a dynamic, forward-looking government is recasting the educational landscape. England's school system is turbo-charged into a new era and will be the envy of the world, led by Chief Executives of Multi Academy Trusts on bankers' salaries, imposing a slim curriculum, the soundest of discipline regimes and ensuring that highest standards will be achieved even if at the expense of teacher morale, poor service to special needs, off-rolling of students and despite an absolute lack of evidence that this privatised system works.




Shaping for Mediocrity


Book Description

In 2021, as part of a programme called Shaping for Excellence, bosses at the University of Leicester made redundant numerous scholars in what was simultaneously an attack on academic freedom and trade union organisation. The authors of Shaping for Mediocrity not only had front-row seats in the campaign against these mass redundancies, they were in the ring - both as targeted employees and as trade union officers and negotiators. Shaping for Mediocrity tells the inside story of these attacks and the campaign against them. It situates this story within a longer history of struggle to make the university a place where critical thinking is possible, showing how events in Leicester are both reflective of higher education in the UK following four decades of neoliberal 'reform' and a particularly egregious instance of the increasingly authoritarian management of public institutions such as universities.




The War On Success


Book Description

Higher Taxes…Nationalized Industries…Suffocating Regulation… President Obama Has Declared War Against You In The War on Success, New York Times bestselling author Tommy Newberry argues that the Obama administration is not only attacking entrepreneurs and small business owners, it’s launched a fundamental assault on the very concept of success. By denigrating all the qualities that make success possible—self-reliance, ambition, hard work, the pursuit of excellence—the administration is setting the stage for Big Government to step in and “guarantee” everyone’s success through socialist-style redistribution. Brash, direct, and unafraid, The War on Success tells you what’s at stake: nothing less than the survival of the American Dream.




Calligraphy in Ten Easy Lessons


Book Description

Absolute beginners can learn how to get started on the basic Italic hand in this practical guide. Detailed discussions cover spacing and connecting letters; forming words and sentences; drawing "swash" capitals; changing nibs; using color; making corrections; waterproofing; addressing envelopes, making invitations, and stationery, and transcribing special texts. Numerous black-and-white illustrations.










The Soviet Chess Primer


Book Description

Ilya Maizelis's masterpiece is the definitive introduction to the game of chess. It has inspired generations of Russians to take up the game, including arguably the two greatest players of all time, the 12th and 13th World Champions. In the original Russian, this landmark work is simply called "Chess"--no other explanation was considered necessary. The Soviet Chess Primer is a modern English translation of Maizelis's witty introduction to the royal game. This new edition of a timeless classic includes an original foreword from the 2nd World Champion, Emanuel Lasker, as well as an introduction from the most celebrated chess trainer of modern times, Mark Dvoretsky.




How to be a Better Manager in 10 Easy Steps


Book Description

Abstract: Basic concepts, theories, and practical ideas are presented for improving the management skills of supervisors and managers. This self-instructional guide presents a 10-step formula for developing and refining effective management techniques. These steps involve practical basics for surviving and succeeding in management and developing a personalized management strategy. Mechanisms for planning and setting objectives for an organization's operation and proven techniques for motivating people are suggested. Hints for improving the effectiveness of personal communication and guidelines for selecting and recruiting the best people are also provided. Steps for organizing an effective operation, developing standards for measuring and improving performance, and for conducting performance evaluations are listed. Cost controls and suggestions for utilizing time-management, and task assignments for enhancing productivity are presented. A number of examples to illustrate these concepts are incorporated throughout the text. (wz).