Most Popular Books by Tom Smith

Without question, the East German National People’s Army was a profoundly masculine institution that emphasized traditional ideals of stoicism, sacrifice, and physical courage. Nonetheless, as this innovative study demonstrates, depictions of the military in the film and literature of the GDR were far more nuanced and ambivalent. Departing from past studies that have found in such portrayals an unchanging, idealized masculinity, Comrades in Arms shows how cultural works both before and after reunification place violence, physical vulnerability, and military theatricality, as well as conscripts’ powerful emotions and desires, at the center of soldiers’ lives and the military institution itself.

The definitive book on workplace accountability by the New York Times bestselling authors of How Did That Happen? Since it was originally published in 1994, The Oz Principle has sold nearly 600,000 copies and become the worldwide bible on accountability. Through its practical and invaluable advice, thousands of companies have learned just how vital personal and organizational accountability is for a company to achieve and maintain its best results. At the core of the authors'' message is the idea that when people take personal ownership of their organization''s goals and accept responsibility for their own performance, they become more invested and work at a higher level to ensure not only their own success, but everyone''s. Now more than ever, The Oz Principle is vital to anyone charged with obtaining results. It is a must have, must read, and must apply classic business book.

Connors and Smith explore the direct link between a company''s culture and the results it produces, providing a program to transform entrenched patterns into potent new ways of being and doing. Getting to the core of why people work as they do is a dynamic process demanding that leaders take control of the culture to create experiences that foster beliefs, drive actions, and produce the ultimate competitive advantage. Filled with success stories, the book introduces a step by step model to help people at any level of the organization take action that will alter the company''s belief system in order to produce the desired results.

A fully revised and updated installment from the bestselling author of The Oz Principle Series. Two-time New York Times bestselling authors Roger Connors and Tom Smith show how leaders can achieve record-breaking results by quickly and effectively shaping their organizational culture to capitalize on their greatest asset-their people. Change the Culture, Change the Game joins their classic book, The Oz Principle, and their recent bestseller, How Did That Happen?, to complete the most comprehensive series ever written on workplace accountability. Based on an earlier book, Journey to the Emerald City, this fully revised installment captures what the authors have learned while working with the hundreds of thousands of people on using organizational culture as a strategic advantage.

The New York Times bestseller that provides a simple, proven approach to improve accountability and the bottom line. The economy crashes, the government misfires, businesses fail, leaders don''t lead, managers don''t manage, and people don''t follow through, leaving us asking, "How did that happen?" Surprises caused by a lack of personal accountability plague almost every organization today, from the political arena to large and small businesses. How Did That Happen? offers a proven way to eliminate these nasty surprises, gain an unbeatable competitive edge, and enhance performance by holding others accountable the positive, principled way. As the experts on workplace accountability and the authors of The Oz Principle, Roger Connors and Tom Smith tackle the next crucial step everyone can take, whether working as a manager, supervisor, CEO, or individual performer: creating greater accountability in all the people on whom you depend.

Bright, persistent ringing ripped Tom from sleep. He rolled over, fumbled for the reading light beside his bed, and reached for his phone. As he answered the call, he saw the time: 3:00 a.m. Nothing good comes from a three o’clock call.

The newest addition to Partners In Leadership''s accountability series that began with the classic The Oz Principle. The Oz Principle has sold more than a million copies since it debuted in 1994, establishing it as the go-to reference on workplace accountability throughout the world. By embracing its practical and invaluable advice, tens of thousands of companies have improved their organizational accountability -- the key to achieving and sustaining exceptional results. Now, the team at Partners In Leadership is applying thirty years of proven success to a whole new concept: Propeller. This book presents a modern take on accountability, while remaining faithful to the elegantly simple premise: When people take personal ownership of their organization''s priorities and accept responsibility for their own performance, they become more engaged and perform at a higher level. With all new examples and stories, Propeller builds on the The Oz Principle''s legacy to inspire the next generation of readers to tap the incredible power of personal, team, and organizational accountability.

Heartburn, coughing when lying down, pain in the upper chest or throat -- these can all be signs of an often misunderstood condition: hiatus hernia. This book looks at all aspects of dealing with this condition, from diagnosis to self-care. Case studies discuss how individuals have successfully minimized symptoms and how dangerous complications can sometimes arise.

Why does the story of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion touch us? Like all great entertainment, their journey resonates. We see ourselves in the characters and likewise wish we possessed the power, the brains, the heart, and the courage to make our own dreams come true. So what are your dreams? What do you want? Is it a promotion? Improving a relationship? Rescuing a child? Finding a new job? Saving a marriage? Getting a degree? Finding the love of your life? Making a difference in your community? This book will help you get whatever you consider worthwhile in life. Simply put, when you unleash the power of personal accountability it will energize you in lifealtering ways, giving you a concrete boost that enhances your ability to think, to withstand adversity, to generate confidence, and to increase your own natural emotional, mental, and intellectual strength. Roger Connors and Tom Smith know this because they’ve seen it work in their own lives and witnessed it in the lives of some of the most successful and influential people in the world. The authors first introduced this powerful accountability philosophy in the New York Times bestseller The Oz Principle. Since then, millions have come to know them as “The Oz Guys” and they have gone on to help leaders all over the world teach and apply the principles you’re about to learn. Principles that have generated billions of dollars of wealth—along with a host of even more important results. Devotees of The Oz Principle have brought lifesaving medications to market, created better education in community colleges, greatly surpassed charity fund-raising goals, and improved medical practices in battlefield hospitals. In The Wisdom of Oz, Connors and Smith present the practical and powerful principles of personal accountability in simple, down-to-earth terms that you can apply in your homes, schools, communities, churches, and volunteer groups. The book will help you strengthen family relationships, improve friendships, motivate children, increase value on the job, improve health and financial well-being, or achieve whatever it is you most desire. Drawing on engaging stories about those who have overcome great odds—including South African president Nelson Mandela, Polish WWII hero Irena Sendler, and everyday men and women—Connors and Smith demonstrate that by taking personal ownership of your goals and accepting responsibility for your performance, you also take control of your success. You will read stories about people just like you who learned to beat their struggles, like the New York area fisherman who fell off his lobster boat and was adrift at sea for twelve hours in the chilly Atlantic . . . but survived. You will learn the traits that allowed a college senior who landed flat on her face in a 600-meter race to jump up and win. Or a thirteen-year-old soccer player who moved from the bench to the starting lineup. You will discover that while no one will ever wave a wizard’s wand and magically solve all your problems, there is a way to experience the near magical impact of personal accountability.

"The official sequel to The Oz Principle."

If Abner Musser hadn’t run out of sons, his neighbors say, The Buck would have been as big as Pittsburgh in another 10 years. This area in Southern Lancaster County reminds me more and more of the region just east of Lancaster. I suppose the words that condense this thought could be: Bird-In-Hand gained, Paradise lost. Quote from Robert Risk: “Death does not end all-it begins everything.” If Ma Garner heard a ruckus outside her house at night she raised her bedroom window, shot once, then opened fire with an arsenal of words that may have stung worse than the shotgun pellets. The resourceful human mind has developed to strive for the betterment of mankind, yet the human spirit has evidently never abandoned the cave. At Woodstock there were numerous drug busts, at our gathering all drugs were handed out before the meal.

"How it all Began!" Stan Lee Comics presents “MIGHTY 7," a sensational new superhero property from the creator of Spider-Man, the X-Men and more!! When a crew of sinister, alien prisoners and their jailers are blasted across the galaxy, their ship lands smack dab in front of legendary comic book creator Stan “the man" Lee! What does this alien arrival mean for planet Earth?! Reality meets fantasy as the "Mighty 7" journey begins!

The book introduces us to Sinatra''s life and art seen from an unconventional point of view: Ol'' Blue Eyes'' prodigious appetite for alcohol. Drinking was an integral part of his character, his lifestyle and (by extension) his creative output. This book also functions as a practical cocktail manual, containing more than 30 detailed recipes for preparing and presenting fancy drinks he was known to enjoy himself; as well as providing information on some of Sinatra''s own personal drinking lore and some of the traditions he followed or inspired. There are also accounts of some of his favorite watering holes (from legendary saloons such as Toots Shor''s and Jilly''s to Villa Capri or Monte''s Venetian Room), profiles of famous drinking buddies (such as Humphrey Bogart or Mike Romanoff) and a selection of drinking stories. The book begins with an essay looking at the role drink played throughout his life and ends with a consideration of his most enduring persona—The Last Saloon Singer. In between there are chapters on Classic Bourbon drinks, the Martini, Exotic Booze, Hangover Remedies and The Rat Pack.

On March 13, 2013, the Catholic Church changed dramatically when Pope Francis I, the Argentine slum walker, immediately began to redefine the papacy. His refreshing yet humble leadership collides with the approach of previous popes and revives the themes of the Second Vatican Council. In Church Chat, author Tom Smith catalogues that remarkable transition in an entertaining and thought provoking style. A collection of previously published columns dating from 2009 and into 2014, Church Chat fearlessly displays some flaws of the Catholic Church while applauding the leadership of Pope Francis. It is written by a progressive, and still practicing, Catholic who insists Its my Church, too! Transition times stir things up, cause unusual hopes and fears, bring stuff at the bottom to the top and take one set of priorities and replace them with another. Things move quickly during major transitions, what was standard at one time is replaced by a new approach. Since this new period is just beginning, we dont know how it will turn out, but one thing is certain: these are historic times in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis is moving quickly on many fronts and the vision of Vatican II is growing some flesh. Finally. Every Catholic -- liberal, conservative, or confused -- will benefit from Tom Smiths intelligent book Church Chat. I highly recommend this lively and loving book. Michael Leach, author of Why Stay Catholic? Unexpected Answers to a Life-Changing Question Church Chat is a great read for veteran Church reformers as well as for people in the pews. The issue treatment is very comprehensive and right on... all done in a friendly conversational style. The reader thus comes away with a window into a hope filled near future for the People of God as well as a warm connection with Tom on his soulful journey forward. Dan and Sheila Daley, Co-Founders of Call to Action

Praise for The Unique Grief of Suicide: Questions and Hope A gem of a book. Tom Smith is one of those unique human beings who, through a labor of love and generosity, is able to turn a personal tragedy into an opportunity to reach out and help many others. His work combines scientific data and personal feelings admirably. Luis A. Giuffra, MD, PhD; professor of clinical psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine Very painful questions arise following the death by suicide of a loved one. Tom Smiths moving book identifies and organizes these questionsa very helpful thing in itself. But more, the book provides answers and also acknowledges that some questions do not have easy answers, reflecting accurately and sympathetically the experiences of those bereaved by suicide. Thomas Joiner, PhD, author of Why People Die by Suicide and the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Florida State University With warmth and understanding, Tom Smith draws on his own grief following the suicide of his twenty-six-year-old daughter, Karla, and provides helpful resources and coping strategies to those grieving a suicide. Both practical and comforting, The Unique Grief of Suicide guides and educates those dealing with the different facets of suicide and offers a safe harbor within the storm of grief.

Willies World 2 is a collection of Christian puppet skits written to teach young boys and girls valuable lessons from Gods Word. In doing so, it is my prayer that they may become better prepared to make right choices as they travel lifes long and often difficult highway. Each week, Willie manages to find himself in one sort of dilemma or another. Together with the help of his friends, his wise grandpa, and the delightful Miss Pickles, he takes on the challenges of being a boy in a rapidly changing world of schoolyard bullies, peer pressure, self-doubt, and facing our greatest fears. Throughout these skits, children will be taught many lessons to help strengthen their faith: Lessons about prayer, forgiveness, obedience and how to get along with others. Lessons about sharing their faith, trusting in God, and loving the unlovable. When all is said and done, Willie learns that the road of life can be fraught with many hazards and wrong turns. But navigating around those hazards becomes much less troublesome when, before embarking on that journey, we allow Gods Word to have its rightful and necessary place as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

Serving Students with Special Needs provides administrators with essential knowledge about the requirements for special education services, as well as practical steps to ensure legal compliance and appropriate services for students with special needs. Each chapter includes basic information followed by specific suggestions or steps. This brief, easily applied, and highly practical guide covers: Instruction, including differentiated instruction and universal design for learning Assessment, including accommodations and modifications and response to intervention (RTI) Developing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) Student progress monitoring and using large data sets to inform decision making Mediation, due process hearings, and litigation Systems management and positive behavioral intervention supports (PBIS) Scenarios are presented along with suggested responses and solutions. Serving Students with Special Needs has been specifically developed to provide administrators with practical suggestions to quickly and effectively implement appropriate special education practices.

"A Monster Among Us!" Stan Lee Comics’ “MIGHTY 7′′ continues! HEROES and VILLAINS and LASERS! OH MY! The all-new superhero property from the co-creator of Spider-Man, the X-Men and more, takes a dramatic turn as a frightening new villain finally makes his destructive debut! As our heroes continue to adjust to their new lives on Earth, Stan must adjust to playing host to the unruly band of aliens! Can the greatest comic book creator ever manage to spare the city of L.A from complete chaos?!

How do we allow the life of Jesus to flow through our whole bodies into our everyday lives? Having Jesus in our hearts is not enough. In this whole-life approach to Christian formation, Tom Smith directs us into a "rhythm of life" that that brings flourishing to our personal spirituality that then extends to our service in the world.

A practical, compassionate guide to building a supportive relationship with someone with a mental illness--while taking care of yourself. A practical, compassionate guide to building a supportive relationship with someone with a mental illness--while taking care of yourself. The ultimate goal of those with a mental disorder and the people who love them is balance: emotional, mental, spiritual, and behavioral. Yet, living with and responding to a mentally ill person often leads to the chaos of a relationship where the rules change, the dynamics are volatile, and the expectations are unanchored. In readable, down-to-earth prose, A Balance Life teaches family and friends what they can expect from those they love who have mental health problems. It offers nine clear-cut strategies for implementing a plan to support them, including how to:assist a loved one in developing healthy self-esteemaccept mental illness as a fact of lifeidentify early warning signs that precede a more difficult phase of the illnesscreate a supportive network of family and friendsEach strategy is illustrated by inspiring stories of real people who have put the principles into practice, and is followed by key questions that ask to ponder their own situations. This is the to bringing order to chaos, providing a framework for reactions to the person who has a mental illness. It clarifies expectations and offers advice and encouragement.Tom Smith is the cofounder of the Karla Smith Foundation, which supports parents and loved ones of mentally ill people. He is author of several articles and books, including God on the Job and Alive in the Spirit."A unique blend of inspiration, compassion, and practical advice, every person coming to grips with the mental health problems of a loved one deserves to hear the message of hope, love, and faith infused within this book." Kim T. Mueser, Ph.D., co-author of The Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness"Effective, practical strategies for families and friends of people who struggle with mental illness. Each chapter is punctuated by real stories of hope, as well as questions for discussion or personal reflection. A handy, useful toolkit." Herbert E Mandell, M.D., National Medical Director of Kids Peace"An invaluable resource. I wish my own loved ones had had it sooner, and I''ll be sharing it with them now. Highly recommended." Marya Hornbacher, author of Madness: A Bipolar Life

This book analyses the often-complex factors that influence weight gain, from our hormonal make-up to our eating psychology. Full of evidence-based research and real-life case histories, it gives intelligent advice on what to do when confronted with the need to tackle your health, or that of your child. It emphasises that exercise is key and that eating is one of the joys of life, not a medication. Topics include: Our hunter-gathering past; Exercise intelligence; Why we don''t exercise enough; Hydration intelligence; Nutritional intelligence; Fasting intelligence; Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other supplements.

"Capture and Chaos!" Stan Lee Comics'' Mighty 7 continues! The all-new superhero property from the co-creator of Spider-Man, the X-Men, and more heats up as Stan must come to terms with his alien compatriots! Titanic forces collide as comics legend meets alien, but what evil is brewing on the horizon? Villainy looms in this action-packed second installment of Stan Lee''s latest and greatest super-heroic tale!

In Word Across the Water, Tom Smith brings the histories of Hawai''i and the Philippines together to argue that US imperial ambitions towards these Pacific archipelagos were deeply intertwined with the work of American Protestant missionaries. As self-styled interpreters of history, missionaries produced narratives to stoke interest in their cause, locating US imperial interventions and their own evangelistic projects within divinely ordained historical trajectories. As missionaries worked in the shadow of their nation''s empire, however, their religiously inflected historical narratives came to serve an alternative purpose. They emerged as a way for missionaries to negotiate their own status between the imperial and the local and to come to terms with the diverse spaces, peoples, and traditions of historical narration that they encountered across different island groups. Word Across the Water encourages scholars of empire and religion alike to acknowledge both the pernicious nature of imperial claims over oceanic space underpinned by religious and historical arguments, and the fragility of those claims on the ground.

In 1890, a group of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans were accused of gunning down New Orleans police chief David Hennessy, who had come between two rival waterfront gangs. Nineteen men were indicted; nine stood trial. After six of the nine accused were acquitted and the remaining three awarded mistrials, a vigilante mob of 8,000 people fought their way into the Parish Prison and killed eleven of the defendants. The incident drew anti- American ire from across the world, and even brought the U.S. to the brink of war with Italy until formal reparations were made. Tom Smith presents an in-depth and nuanced account of the episode that was the greatest mass lynching in our nation''s history, and which popularized the term Mafia in the American lexicon.

Interesting topics Include: Books and printing in the age of Columbus; The Inca Empire; The horse in North America; The legend of El Dorado; The Nootka Convention; The Pueblo Revolt; The role of California missions.

Diabetes is on the increase in all age groups and is described by the World Health Organisation as an epidemic. The good news is that effective control can greatly improve life expectancy, as well as reducing the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and blindness. This book explains how to tackle type one diabetes in adults and teenagers; it also looks at type two diabetes and explains why the dividing line between types one and two is not always easy to draw. Topics include: Late-onset type one diabetes; Organising your insulin; Pumps and transplants; Type two diabetes and the metabolic syndrome; Why so many more people with type two diabetes now need insulin for control; Managing type two diabetes - keeping the glucose levels down; Diet and weight control; Why you mustn''t smoke - and how to stop if you do.

As You Like It tracks the travails of young lovers and despotic rulers as they chase one another from the palace of Duke Frederick to the Forest of Arden. Shakespeare''s classic work weaves together greedy inheritors, despotic rulers, a cross-dressing princess, and some magic before drawing to a dramatic close.

People have played games forever, but it’s only in the past few decades that people really started thinking about what games are, how they work, and how to make them better. Anatomy of Game Design takes some of the most popular and beloved games of all time and dissects them to see what makes them tick. By breaking down the systems and content of each game, the underlying systems of game design are laid bare. Eight games are analyzed – including Settlers of Catan; Centipede; Candy Crush Saga; Papers, Please; Magic: The Gathering; and more – each representing a different genre or era of game design. Each game is discussed in detail, using the same methods for each game. What are the verbs of the game that give the player agency? How do those verbs fit together to form a core loop that makes the game engaging? What are the systems that power the gameplay? What is the larger flow that makes the game interesting over and over again? Each game is then used as an example to tie back to one or more larger topics in game design, such as systems design, randomness, monetization, game theory, and iterative approaches to game development. Key Features: Uses well-known games to provide specific, discrete examples of broader game design theory Discusses eight popular games using the same methodology to allow comparison of different types of games Includes both high-level theory and academic perspective and practical, real-world guidance from a working game designer who has created these games for commercial release Provides clear direction for deeper inquiry into game design or related fields such as psychology, anthropology, game development, or systems thinking

"I am no longer a poet. I have lost all my words." Vibrant, intelligent, and active, nineteen-year-old college student Karla Smith embraces the future with unbridled enthusiasm. But when she suddenly loses interest in everything she always loved, her family is understandably alarmed. Where is the bubbly, optimistic Karla they all know and love? Weeks go by and Karla hides under her bedcovers, refuses to engage in any of her passions, and returns only a wall of silence to her family''s pleading questions. Eventually diagnosed as bipolar, Karla experiences the illness''s major symptoms of recurring depression and periodic mania. Her parents, Fran and Tom, and her twin brother, Kevin, endure her tragic lows and euphoric highs for seven long years before Karla loses the battle with her illness, committing suicide at the tender age of twenty-six. The Smith family weaves threads of pain, confusion, grief, and hope into a moving portrait of the challenge and tragedy of bipolar disorder. But it''s Karla''s own story-her brave fight against the debilitating disorder and her enduring struggle for balance, acceptance, and peace-that lies at the heart of this book, offering hope and strength for everyone who suffers from bipolar disorder and their loved ones.

Bronchitis and emphysema affect some three million people in the U.K. and kill 30,000 people each year. They account for more loss of time from work than any other form of illness, and are usually caused by smoking, which leads to inflammation of the bronchi. As the lungs become increasingly damaged, shortness of breath develops even on moderate exertion, such as climbing stairs. As the condition worsens, simple tasks such as washing or shaving cause marked shortness of breath, and eventually fighting for breath occurs even at rest. The condition cannot be cured. However, further deterioration can be prevented, and this new edition brings us up to date with changes in treatment, though stopping smoking is still key. Difficulty in breathing can be eased by using inhalers or nebulisers which deliver drugs that open up the airways called bronchodilators (eg ''Ventolin''). Inhaled steroids (eg ''Becotide'') are useful in reducing inflammation of the air tubes. Many people need to have oxygen several times a day, and dust, fumes and pollution should be avoided. Lifestyle changes may also help, such as losing weight and taking exercise.

This second edition of Romanian professor Johnny Bota''s (2012) ''Blues and Jazz in Banat'' is unique for its light-hearted style and bilingual presentation. As Western Romania''s busiest jazz and blues musician, Bota is uniquely qualified to write the history of one of Europe''s most fascinating regions. English edits and perspectives are furnished by ''Down Beat'' Jazz Education Hall of Fame recipient Tom Smith. "Banat county''s jazz tradition is complex. It goes far into the past and is closely linked to the area''s multicultural- cosmopolitan identity. Knowing better the protagonists and their achievements, we understand both the development of this phenomenon and the importance Banat provides towards aesthetic perspectives where jazz plays an important role. This book reveals, not only why jazz inspires us, but how we can better know all music of the region. For this, Johnny Bota is thanked for his musical dedication, talent and intelligence." Tinu Pârvulescu, Blues Coordinator: Timişoara (2010), Gărâna Jazz (2012).

Provides descriptions of a broad range of surgical and medical procedures for operating department practitioners.

Two ex-military types start an air charter service with an old World War II surplus plane. A humorous account of an unlikely group.