New Releases by Chris Smith

Creative Labour provides an insight into the unique employment issues affecting workers in film, television, theatre, arts, music, radio and new media. In the UK alone, more than 1 million people work in the creative industries, generating billions of pounds in exports each year. These workers have to contend with elastic working hours, employment and promotion uncertainty and vigorous competition for each role. Creative Labour offers a contemporary perspective on a fascinating area of study and a rapidly growing area in developed economies. Key benefits: - Grasp the realities of work behind the industry façade - Evaluate real-life case-studies through a flexible, critical mindset - Tailor your management decisions to the needs of creative staff

Chris Smith tells the fascinating stories behind the most groundbreaking, influential, and often controversial albums ever recorded.

Despite the onset of an apparently robust peace process following the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement (CFA), the war in Sri Lanka now appears to have restarted. Arguably, the fourth Eelam war that is currently unfolding may prove to be the final and decisive war for Eelam. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) appear to be well-prepared, well-armed, well-funded, focused and motivated. Every punitive attack mounted by the government brings collateral damage and Tiger recruitment potential in equal measure. In contrast, the Government of Sri Lanka’s security forces are in disarray: chains of command and decision-making appear fractured; the commander-in-chief seems out of touch with the politico-strategic reality of what is going on around him; and the state lacks a strategy to deal with the coming onslaught. Morale among the security forces is low and human rights abuses are on the increase, as is desertion from the zone of conflict. Events over the course of 2006 can be pieced together to outline the current LTTE strategy. Taken together they add up to a discernible intent to return to war but to join battle at a level below the type of conventional warfare that preceded the 2002 CFA. The current strategy is to launch an insurgency campaign that may in time be used to maximum effect, and is designed to succeed where more direct conflicts and confrontations have failed. State military strategy is close to non-existent. Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapakse, who is also the Commander-in-Chief, appears not to have grasped the nature of the security dynamics at work in the north. There is little evidence of applied strategic thinking amongst the higher echelons. Critics in Colombo maintain that the problem lies with a fractured decision-making process. The President has surrounded himself with a coterie of advisors whose credentials, beyond abject loyalty, are debatable. The peace process, even at its strongest point, never showed signs of delivering the kind of political and emotional reintegration between the LTTE and the south (rather than the Sinhalese and the Tamils) that would have to be a precursor to any form of lasting settlement—it simply did not exist in either Colombo or Kilinochchi. The Sri Lankan peace process, which is currently passing by, will not return. A more likely scenario is a resurgent LTTE effort towards Eelam that the Sri Lankan state appears to be insufficiently organized to combat over time, without external intervention and direct military assistance. But Sri Lanka lacks the geo-political importance to warrant such assistance. As such, the concept of (re)integration has become much less appropriate – even insignificant – over the past year.

Whether on vinyl or MP3, the album has become an integral part of our cultural history. This book tells the stories behind the most groundbreaking, influential, and often controversial albums ever recorded. Among the featured: Pet Sounds (The Beach Boys), What''s Going On (Marvin Gay), London Calling (The Clash), No Fences (Garth Brooks), and The Chronic (Dr. Dre). Narrative chapters in this chronologically organized volume describe how the albums reflected the political, social, and economic culture of the era. Individual entries discuss the albums'' histories, the inspiration behind their creation, and why they continue to stand the test of time.

To settle an inheritance dispute between two brothers, King Solomon tells a tale of how Jerusalem came to be founded.

A crime-wave threatens to engulf the quiet city of Chester, forcing Detective Constable Dominic Strider to single-handedly deal with a rape, armed robbery, arson, burglary and malicious letters sent to the local M.P. whose implication in a high-class prostitute''s death prompts a cover up! Reeling under the strain of a broken marriage and with the threats of dismissal, a vicious murderer on the loose and attempts on his life, what better time for Strider to fall in love?

Biology of Disease describes the biology of many of the human disorders and disease that are encountered in a clinical setting. It is designed for first and second year students in biomedical science programs and will also be a highly effective reference for health science professionals as well as being valuable to students beginning medical school. Real cases are used to illustrate the importance of biology in understanding the causes of diseases, as well as in diagnosis and therapy.

A large degree of success in Western civilization can be traced to six principal ideas - Christianity, optimism, science, economic growth, liberalism, and individualism. In theory, a synthesis of these ideas could provide a way for the West to recover its nerve and integrity. But in practice? This book seeks to find the answer.

From its roots in the American South to today''s world stage, the journey of the blues has encompassed countless artists and recordings. But how can you find the best of them? The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordingsis a uniquely informative, insightful and easy-to-use guide through the jungles of the record shop and the online music store. It surveys the recorded work of more than a thousand blues artists, from towering figures of the past like Charley Patton, Bessie Smith and Robert Johnson to stars of the modern era such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughan, providing crisp, expert and witty reviews of almost six thousand CDs. Whether you''re a blues aficionado or just starting a collection, this is required reading.

Chronicles such developments in rock music as psychedelic rock, progressive rock, Southern rock, and early heavy metal between 1967 and 1973, and provides a chronology, an A-Z guide to the period, and lists of top-selling recordings, important albums, and further resources, including print works, Web sites, films, and museum collections.

′This book is a joy to read. It is full of good sense and, what teachers always hope to find, lots of good, practical ideas...This is a valuable resource and every staffroom should have a copy′ - Gifted and Talented Update ′Smith′s research interests in inclusive and gifted education are reflected in her publications and this book is no exception. This is essentially a user-friendly practitioner′s text, aimed at primary school educators...I would recommend this as a useful addition to the practising teacher′s repertoire of resource texts′ Susen Smith, former primary school teacher ′The suggestions here, many of them photocopiable, are clearly tried and tested. All primary teachers will find them helpful′ - Michael Duffy, The Times Educational Supplement `A very useful aid to any staff room bookshelf. Easy to read, use and understand- National Association of Gifted Children Newsletter `A must read for all teachers. This book not only sets out very clearly the needs of Able Gifted and Talented pupils, but also helps teachers reappraise their classroom practice and the role of the learner′ - Johanna M Raffan, Director of NACE, National Association for Able Children How can we provide challenges for the gifted and talented primary school pupil in an inclusive classroom setting? Using tried and tested examples, this book shows the busy teacher how to challenge able children in their mixed-ability class - where time and resources are usually limited. The practical tasks will show you how carefully designed activities can cater for a range of abilities. The book has sections on: - creating a working environment that helps more able pupils to thrive; - varying the way you ask pupils questions; - thinking about multiple intelligences and ways to develop them; - developing different levels of challenge in classroom activities; - allowing pupils some choice in the activities they do; - advice on how to run whole-class research projects. A glossary of key terms and a range of photocopiable material are included. Class teachers, GATCOs, Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Teachers, trainee teachers and LEA advisers looking for practical teaching ideas to challenge gifted children will find this book ideal for use in their settings.

Japanese manufacturing firms established in Britain have often been portrayed as carriers of Japanese corporate best practice for work and employment. In this book, the authors challenge these views through case study research, undertaken at several Japanese manufacturing plants in Britain during the 1990s. The authors argue that in actual fact production and employment regimes are adapted and ''re-made'' in a number of ways, responding to specific corporate and local contexts. In particular, they focus upon the ways in which Japanese and British managers have sought to construct distinctive work regimes in the light of their particular branch plant mandates and competencies, the evolving character of management-worker relations within factories and the varied product and labour market conditions they face. The book highlights the constraints as well as the opportunities facing managers of these greenfield workplaces, and the uncertainties that continued to characterize the development of management strategies. Ultimately the authors show how arguments about the role of overseas branch plants in the dissemination of management practices must take more careful account of the varied ways in which such factories are implicated in wider corporate strategies. The operations of international firms are embedded within intractable features of capitalist employment relations, especially as they are ''re-made'' in specific local and national settings. This book is an important intervention in contemporary debate about international firms and globalization, and will be of interest to teachers, researchers, and advanced students of this subject from disciplines including Business Studies, Organization Studies, Industrial Relations, Sociology, Political Economy, and Economic and Social Geography.

The following paper explores issues relating to the nuclearization of South Asia following the acquisition of nuclear weapons by both India and Pakistan. It is divided into six parts: the history of nuclearization in South Asia; the weapons tests that took place in May 1998; nuclear stockpiles and delivery systems on both sides; emerging nuclear doctrines; nuclear stability and the threat of nuclear war; and South Asia''s nuclear future. The nuclearization of the conflict between in India and Pakistan was precipitated by the Indian decision to undertake nuclear tests, after which Pakistan had little option but to proceed with its test program. Paradoxically, the events that followed have added little to India''s security vis-à-vis Pakistan and the gains against China are dubious at best. Pakistan''s nuclear doctrine is deeply destabilizing even if logical in the context of conventional inferiority. India''s decision has therefore led to a net loss of security, which decision makers may come to regret in the future.

A technical expert and a lawyer provide practical approaches for IT professionals who need to get up to speed on the role of an expert witness and how testimony works. Includes actual transcripts and case studies.

A tour through all of the major and minor conflicts that occur during the three parts of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Battles, armour, weaponry, cultures and creatures: all are covered and explained, together with photos and illustrations and specially commissioned battle plans. filmed. The only problem is that the furious pace of the films means that the viewer barely has time to enjoy the visual spectacle of one particular action scene before they are hurtled headlong into another conflict. This title provides all the background that is absent from the films, taking the reader on a detailed tour through all of the major and minor conflicts that occur during the three parts of story. It explains the history behind each battle and examines the strategy used by both forces. Mines of Moria, Helm''s Deep and the climactic battle of the Pelennor Fields at Minas Tirith - is illustrated by a specially commissioned battle plan that reveals exactly how the battle was fought. The book also describes in detail each of the many different races and armies that appear in the trilogy: Men, Elves, Dwarves, all the different races of Orcs, and the various allies of both the Fellowship and Mordor. Each will be discussed at length - how they fight, why they are fighting, what armour they wear and what weapons they use. These will enable the reader to get as close to a marauding Orc as they could ever wish, without suffering the consequences.

This text is the result of two years'' intensive delivery at conferences, seminars and workshops around the world. It outlines the Seven Essentials of Becoming a Trusted Advisor, aiming to produce extraordinary results from ordinary people. The authors explain how to work wise rather than hard or smart.

Celebrate the Islamic Year in your family or at school! You are invited to explore Muslim festivals with this inspiring treasury of stories, surahs, songs, games, recipes, craft and art activities. Folk tales illustrate the core values of Islamic culture with gentle humour and wisdom.

Chris Smith, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, offers an overview of culture and the arts in contemporary Britain. He argues that the arts can no longer be seen as a dispensable extra on the political agenda.

These four articles set out ideas for Britain''s future in cultural terms. They stem from a conference organised by the Fabian Society in September 1997, with the same title as this pamphlet. Essentially, they set out to answer the questions, What kinds of people are we, and who could we be''.

Engineers, often perceived as central agents of industrial capitalism, are thought to be the same in all capitalist societies, occupying roughly the same social status and performing similar functions in the capitalist enterprise. What the essays in this volume reveal, however, is that engineers are trained and organized quite distinctly in different national contexts. The book includes case studies of engineers in six major industrial economies: Japan, France, Germany, Sweden, Britain and the United States. Through a comparison of these six cases, the authors develop an approach to national differences which both retains the place of historical diversity in the experience of capitalism and accommodates the forces of convergence from increasing globalisation and economic integration. Contributions from: Boel Berner, Stephen Crawford, Kees Gispen, Kevin McCormick and Peter Whalley.

This publication offers Chris Smith''s vision of a new libertarian socialism, committed to tackling poverty and recognising the benefits of collective action. At the time of writing, Chris Smith was a member of the British Labour Party Shadow Cabinet, and as such, part of policy-making.

Chris Smith explores the evolution of Indian defence policy since 1947. He looks carefully at the domestic dynamics of Indian defence policy. This includes an in-depth analysis of the period 1947-62, which is often ignored by Indian defence analysts, and the performance of the defence industrial base. He concludes that India''s defence policy is designed more as one aspect of the quest for great power status than as an attempt to aquire security at an affordable price.