Confessions of a Civil Servant


Book Description

Confessions of a Civil Servant is filled with lessons on leading change in government and the military. Bob Stone based the book on thirty years as a revolutionary in government. It comes at a time when the events of 9-11 are sharpening America's demands for government that works at all levels. The book tackles fourteen overarching themes in government, developed through entertaining stories of Stone's own experiences as a civil servant. Among the topics Stone covers are 'tackling a job when you haven't a clue, ' 'organizing for the mission, ' 'dealing with difficult bosses, ' and 'getting past the barriers to change.' This book is a must-read for anyone in, or considering taking, a leadership position in government, the military, or any large organization, public or privat




Confessions, Rants and Exploits of a Civil Servant


Book Description

Ever wondered how your tax money is really spent? Discover how the federal government works and what the lives of civil servants and their jobs are really like. Ramona Swann's 30-year career spanned assignments at the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Agriculture and Energy in a navigation up the civil service career ladder that plays out like a dark comedy. Ramona's world was one of excessive waste, tangled rules, indecipherable regulations and, of course, ever present politics. Confessions offers the taxpayer a view from the inside of government, complete with arrogance, misappropriation and even the rare unsung hero. As a whistleblower she did what she thought was right and suffered the inevitable consequences. Her life became a struggle against alcoholism, divorce and finally a battle to regain her integrity while serving a nation she loves. Ramona Swann was born in 1954 in the small town of Puyallup, Washington. At 24 she began her 30-year federal career when she enlisted in the Air Force. Ramona currently lives in Vancouver, Washington where she is enjoying retirement and considering writing a second memoir titled, Confessions: Rants and Exploits of a retired civil servant.




The Naked Civil Servant


Book Description

A comical and poignant memoir of a gay man living life as he pleased in the 1930s In 1931, gay liberation was not a movement—it was simply unthinkable. But in that year, Quentin Crisp made the courageous decision to "come out" as a homosexual. This exhibitionist with the henna-dyed hair was harrassed, ridiculed and beaten. Nevertheless, he claimed his right to be himself—whatever the consequences. The Naked Civil Servant is both a comic masterpiece and a unique testament to the resilience of the human spirit. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.










Paul Gosslett's Confessions in Love, Law, and The Civil Service


Book Description

Paul Gosslett's Confessions in Love, Law, and the Civil Service by Charles Lever is about a young spy on a mission in Calabria. Excerpt: "I was walking very sadly across the Green Park one day, my hat pressed over my eyes, not looking to the right or left, but sauntering along, depressed and heavy-hearted, when I felt a friendly arm slip softly within my own, while a friendly voice said,—"I think I have got something to suit you, for a few months at least. Don't you know Italian?" "In a fashion, I may say I do. I can read the small poets, and chat a little. I'll not say much more about my knowledge." "Quite enough for what I mean. Now tell me another thing. You're not a very timid fellow, I know. Have you any objection to going amongst the brigands in Calabria,—on a friendly mission, of course,—where it will be their interest to treat you well?" "Explain yourself a little more freely. What is it I should have to do?"







Grip


Book Description




The Civil Service Record


Book Description




The Confessions


Book Description

Henry Chadwick, an eminent scholar of early Christianity, has given us the first new English translation in thirty years of Augustine's The Confessions. We witness the future saint's fascination with astrology and with the Manichees, and then follow him through scepticism and disillusion with pagan myths until he finally reaches Christian faith. There are brilliant philosophical musings about Platonism and the nature of God, and touching portraits of Augustine's beloved mother, of St. Ambrose of Milan, and of other early Christians like Victorinus, who gave up a distinguished career as a rhetorician to adopt the orthodox faith. To make The Confessions accessible to contemporary readers, Chadwick provides the most complete and informative notes of any recent translation, and includes an introduction to establish the context.