To Dare and to Conquer


Book Description

Examines the impact special operations forces have had on world history from ancient times to the present and describes the methods commandos use to carry out their missions.




Magic and Mayhem


Book Description

AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ are the latest in a string of blunders that includes Vietnam and an unintended war with China from 1950 to ’53, those four fiascoes being just the worst moments in nearly a lifetime of false urgencies, intelligence failures, grandiose designs, and stereotyping of enemies and allies alike. America brought down the Soviet empire at the cold war’s most dangerous juncture, but even that victory was surrounded by myths, such as the conviction that we can easily shape the destinies of other people. Magic and Mayhem is a strikingly original, closely informed investigation of two generations of America’s avoidable failures. In a perfectly timed narrative, Derek Leebaert reveals the common threads in these serial letdowns and in the consequences that await. He demonstrates why the most enterprising and innovative nation in history keeps mishandling its gravest politico-military dealings abroad and why well-credentialed men and women, deemed brilliant when they arrive in Washington, consistently end up leading the country into folly. Misjudgments of this scale arise from a pattern of self-deception best described as "magical thinking." When we think magically, we conjure up beliefs that everyone wants to be like us, that America can accomplish anything out of sheer righteousness, and that our own wizardly policymakers will enable gigantic desires like "transforming the Middle East" to happen fast. Mantras of "stability" or "democracy" get substituted for reasoned reflection. Faith is placed in high-tech silver bullets, whether drones over Pakistan or helicopters in Vietnam. Leebaert exposes these magical notions by using new archival material, exclusive interviews, his own insider experiences, and portraits of the men and women who have succumbed: George Kennan, Henry Kissinger, Robert McNamara, Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, and Presidents Kennedy, Carter, and George W. Bush all appear differently in the light of magic, as do wise men from Harvard, Georgetown, Stanford, and think tanks such as RAND and Brookings, as well as influential players from the media and, occasionally, the military, including General David Petraeus as he personifies the nation’s latest forays into counterinsurgency. Magic and Mayhem offers vital insights as to how Americans imagine, confront, and even invite danger. Only by understanding the power of illusion can we break the spell, and then better apply America’s enduring strengths in a world that will long need them.




Who Dares Wins


Book Description

In these tough economic times, former Green Beret officer Bob Mayer uses military techniques to show readers how to succeed by conquering fear. In today’s fast-moving world, change occurs constantly, competition is fierce, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to achieve success—both personal and professional. Bob Mayer argues that for most, the one most common obstacle standing in the way is fear. Who Dares Wins shares the time-tested techniques of the Special Forces, proven elite warriors trained to conquer fear, dare to be different, and accomplish what others consider impossible. Mayer outlines specific steps for discovering what is holding you back and offers hands-on exercises for increasing motivation to reach those goals. Bringing his unique blend of practical Special Operations Strategies and Tactics mixed with the vision of an artist, Mayer helps readers get to know themselves, identify blind spots, and overcome fear to achieve success. "Bob Mayer gives us a unique and valuable window into the shadowy world of our country’s elite fighting forces and how you can apply many of the concepts and strategies they use for success in your own life and organization." —Jack Canfield, creator of the Chicken Soup book series




To Dare and to Conquer


Book Description

In the tradition of Guns, Germs, and Steel, Leebaert tells the stories of small forces that have triumphed over vastly larger ones and changed the course of history -- from the Trojan Horse to Al Qaeda. Maps and charts.




How to Conquer the Internet


Book Description

Another "How To" guide, part of the successful series that tells children everything they need to know about the hottest topics in the world today. How to Conquer the Internet is sure-fire guide to becoming a super-surfer on the worldwide web. Internet use, especially in the UK, has grown enormously in the last two years. Finding their way around the ever-growing volume of information on the web is a formidable challenge for children. From this book they can learn how to search effectively, how to download free stuff, travel the world on-line, and create their own web site. Using this book as a guide, every child can become a web wizard! As well as writing books about the Internet, Ian Lewis runs a film production company, writes film and TV writes scripts, and directs TV programmes for children and adults.




Dare


Book Description

Gary Leboff is one of the UK's leading sports psychologists and has worked with 12 international soccer squads and gold medal Olympians as well as TV stars, housewives and teenagers. His work formed the centrpiece of BBC2's series The Challenge. Gary's philosophy is based on a 100% commitment to enabling people to achieve. As he says, change is easy - anyone can change, but most change is misdirected and serves little purpose: the real goal is winning. He believes passionately that everyone, without exception, is born with exactly what they need to lead the life they desire. The reason most people are unhappy is that they are attempting to live the lives they have been persuaded are right for them. DARE is not for people looking for another guru, or those who are prepared to settle. Make a total commitment to achievement though, and you will transform your life.




Daring the Bad Boy


Book Description

"Monica Murphy always delivers the swoon-worthy romance that I crave. And Murphy’s latest is no exception with this first love, mature young adult novel: Daring the Bad Boy." -Debbie, I Heart YA Books Annie McFarland is sick of being a shy nobody. A session at summer camp seems like the perfect opportunity to reinvent herself—gain some confidence, kiss a boy, be whoever she wants to be. A few days in, she’s already set her sights on über-hottie Kyle. Too bad her fear of water keeps her away from the lake, where Kyle is always hanging out. Jacob Fazio is at Camp Pine Ridge after one too many screw-ups. Junior counseling seems like punishment enough, but the rigid no-fraternizing-with-campers rules harsh his chill. When a night of Truth or Dare gets him roped into teaching Annie how to swim, she begs him to also teach her how to snag Kyle. Late-night swim sessions turn into late-night kissing sessions...but there’s more on the line than just their hearts. If they get caught, Jake’s headed straight to juvie, but Annie’s more than ready to dare him to reveal the truth. Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains references to drinking, sexual situations, adult language, and an intense bad boy hero who will melt your heart. Each book in the Endless Summer Series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order. Book #1 - Daring the Bad Boy Book #2 - Keeping Her Secret




Before We Were Strangers


Book Description

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a love story about a Craigslist “missed connection” post that gives two people a second chance at love fifteen years after they were separated in New York City. To the Green-eyed Lovebird: We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House. You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more. We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other. Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding… I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello. After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half? M




Dare to Succeed


Book Description

Get the motivation and the information you need to rise up to the next level of success! No matter what line of work you're in, the marketplace constantly challenges you. No matter how savvy an entrepreneur or skilled a professional you are, you risk losing ground every day you don't push forward. That's why you need every advantage possible to achieve the prosperity you're after. Now, America's #1 Success Coach, Jack "Chicken Soup for the Soul" Canfield, has gathered together the top business minds from around the world in one powerful book. This guide to prosperity contains their secret strategies to conquer the competition and bring ongoing abundance into your life. Dare to achieve your greatest ambitions. Dare to break through to new levels of professional and personal accomplishment. Dare to discover the happiness and fulfillment you've always wanted to attain. Dare to Succeed-and dare to live your dream.




Grand Improvisation


Book Description

A new understanding of the post World War II era, showing what occurred when the British Empire wouldn’t step aside for the rising American superpower—with global insights for today. An enduring myth of the twentieth century is that the United States rapidly became a superpower in the years after World War II, when the British Empire—the greatest in history—was too wounded to maintain a global presence. In fact, Derek Leebaert argues in Grand Improvisation, the idea that a traditionally insular United States suddenly transformed itself into the leader of the free world is illusory, as is the notion that the British colossus was compelled to retreat. The United States and the U.K. had a dozen abrasive years until Washington issued a “declaration of independence” from British influence. Only then did America explicitly assume leadership of the world order just taking shape. Leebaert’s character-driven narrative shows such figures as Churchill, Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennan in an entirely new light, while unveiling players of at least equal weight on pivotal events. Little unfolded as historians believe: the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan; the Korean War; America’s descent into Vietnam. Instead, we see nonstop U.S. improvisation until America finally lost all caution and embraced obligations worldwide, a burden we bear today. Understanding all of this properly is vital to understanding the rise and fall of superpowers, why we’re now skeptical of commitments overseas, how the Middle East plunged into disorder, why Europe is fracturing, what China intends—and the ongoing perils to the U.S. world role.