Cotton farming was the only way of life that many Texans knew from the days of Austin's Colony up until World War II. For those who worked the land, it was a dawn-till-dark, "can see to can't," process that required not only a wide range of specialized skills but also a willingness to gamble on forces often beyond a farmer's control—weather, insects, plant diseases, and the cotton market. This unique book offers an insider's view of Texas cotton farming in the late 1920s. Drawing on the memories of farmers and their descendants, many of whom are quoted here, the authors trace a year in the life of south central Texas cotton farms. From breaking ground to planting, cultivating, and harvesting, they describe the typical tasks of farm families—as well as their houses, food, and clothing; the farm animals they depended on; their communities; and the holidays, activities, and observances that offered the farmers respite from hard work. Although cotton farming still goes on in Texas, the lifeways described here have nearly vanished as the state has become highly urbanized. Thus, this book preserves a fascinating record of an important part of Texas' rural heritage.

How national culture impacts organizational culture—and business success Using extensive case studies of successful global corporations, this book explores the impact of national culture on the corporate strategy and its execution, and through this ultimately business success—or failure. It does not argue that different cultures lead to different business results, but that all cultures impact organizations in ways both positive and negative, depending on the business cycle, the particular business, and the particular strategies being pursued. Depending on all of these factors, cultural dynamics can either enable or derail performance. But recognizing those cultural factors is difficult for business leaders; like everyone else, they too can be blind to the culture of which they are a part. The book offers managers and leaders eight recommendations for recognizing those cultural factors that negatively impact performance, as well as those that can be harnessed to encourage superior performance. With real case studies from companies in Asia, Europe, and the United States, this book offers a truly global approach to organizational culture. Offers a fresh approach to the effects of national culture on organizational culture that is applicable to any country in any region Based on case studies of such companies as Toyota, Samsung, General Motors, Nokia, Walmart, Kone and British Leyland It describes the origins and nature of the most common corporate crisis and how culture impacts the response to such a crisis Ideal for managers, business leaders, and board members, as well as business school students A welcome response to the flat-Earth fad that argues we're all alike, this book offers a nuanced and practical view of cultural differentiators and how they can enable or derail business performance.

A deeply touching and uplifting view of the world through different eyes, and a roadmap to finding bliss in the simplest of things. Zena Cooper lives a full life, in which she uses her senses to examine and explore the world around her. She does all that without one thing many of us take for granted: sight. Born with Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that means she is almost completely blind, Zena kept the extent of her condition hidden from the world for four decades. That was until Munch - a guide dog full of personality - took up residence in her life and, almost overnight, a disability she had been hiding for years was suddenly clear for all to see. What You See When You Can't See follows Zena's journey in accepting her limitations. A qualified integrative counsellor, she shares her unique model to reset negative thought patterns, along with tools to help anyone reshape their narrative. Zena asks her readers to find beauty in their own adversity. With Munch at the heart of her experience, this book explores the possibility of an amplified life, no matter your circumstances.

You Can't Be What You Can't See presents a rare longitudinal account of the benefits of a high-quality, out-of-school program on the life trajectories of hundreds of poor, African American youth who grew up in Chicago's notorious Cabrini-Green housing project in the 1980s and early '90s. The book documents what happened to more than 700 youth two decades after they attended the Community Youth Creative Learning Experience (CYCLE), a comprehensive after-school program offering tutoring, enrichment, scholarships, summer camps, and more. Milbrey W. McLaughlin offers critical lessons for policy makers, educators, community activists, funders, and others interested in learning what makes a youth organization effective for low-income, marginalized children. "This engaging volume provides an inside-out account of an effective youth development program, delineating and describing the key ingredients that led to success: exposure, mentoring, and true community. McLaughlin offers her seasoned and insightful analysis while allowing readers to hear the authentic voices of the program's staff, volunteers, participants, and donors--a true epiphany." --Jane Quinn, vice president for community schools and director, National Center for Community Schools, Children's Aid, New York City "Based on a thirty-year follow-up of an exemplary program serving youth living in poverty, McLaughlin reveals how program practices led to eye-opening outcomes in education and employment. The book provides a compelling argument for the value of positive youth development programs targeted at adolescents." --Barton J. Hirsch, professor of human development and social policy, Northwestern University "What does is it take to change the odds? You Can't Be What You Can't See shows us the dramatic difference a high-quality youth organization can make. As a movement is taking hold across the country to promote the quality of environments for learning and engagement, the life stories of CYCLE's alums illuminate and inspire." --Merita Irby, cofounder, The Forum for Youth Investment Milbrey W. McLaughlin is the David Jacks Professor Emeritus of Education and Public Policy at Stanford University, and the founding director of the John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities.

A brilliant psychologist faces the secrets and lies of her own dark past in a shocking novel of suspense by the Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of A Familiar Sight. "Gretchen...What have you done?" Psychologist and criminologist Dr. Gretchen White, top consultant for the Boston PD, has solved countless cases--but never her own. Since the age of eight, she has lived her life thinking she killed her aunt. After all, she was found standing over the body, clutching a bloody knife. Most people, including Detective Patrick Shaughnessy, believe the little sociopath got away with murder. Thirty years later, Detective Lauren Marconi wants to prove them wrong. When plucking at the threads of the past unravels a decades-old case tied to the White family, both Lauren and Gretchen grapple with the question, What if Gretchen really is guilty? As old secrets come to light and Gretchen's lifelong grip on her darkest impulses threatens to erode, Shaughnessy is there watching, waiting for her to lose control one more time. Everyone thinks they know what happened that night. But the truth is beyond what anyone imagines--even Gretchen herself.

"A seven-time Olympic medalist describes her battles with depression, eating disorders and substance abuse in spite of her successful career, recounting how she hid her struggles from her loved ones before seeking help and finding renewal in the birth of her son. 75,000 first printing."

"When she suspects that her young neighbors are being abused by their father, one brave girl takes a stand to protect them"--