It's no wonder that human resources (HR) professionals don't run out of the office every day screaming the chorus of Marvin Gaye's acclaimed hit "Mercy, Mercy Me." Dealing with negative co-workers, management failures, involuntary terminations, conflict resolutions, bad bosses and surprise mergers and acquisitions are among the top 10 issues that are on HR's daily list of things to do. The sheer complexity of these issues have left people believing that HR professionals can't possible have a sense of humor when the list consist of serious matters that would make other professionals runaway and never return to work.Hence Carol McBride's inspiration for HR, Where's Your Freaking Sense of Humor, which is the first in a series of anecdotal creative nonfiction books about HR follies based on her personal experiences over the course of her 20-year HR career. She also draws inspiration from HR mentors, colleagues and friends who were there on the days when she faced HR issues and situations that were complex, mindboggling, heart-wrenching and downright treacherous. When asked how she navigated through the unique but trying situations and challenges, Carol simply states, "With a respectful sense of humor, of course." Each chapter is filled with moments that she believes all HR professionals, despite their tenure, can relate to and draw inspiration from or simply look back (or forward) and know that they are not alone on this tumultuous emotional HR roller coaster. Her mission is to alert HR professionals near and far that it's perfectly acceptable to have a sense of humor, even when dealing with some of the most serious HR dilemmas and drama queens and kings. Also included in each chapter are industry statistics, quotes from subject matter experts, HR best practices, and recommendations on how to navigate through challenging HR situations. As an added bonus, McBride also has includes hilarious cartoon illustrations that depict situations in the chapter to further invoke laughter and capture her humor. McBride presents technical HR topics in a non-technical way and makes this humorous and easy-to-read book more like a personal memoir with a happy ending. A comprehensive list of HR acronyms, lingo and resources round out HR, Where's Your Freaking Sense of Humor to make it the conversation starter for future HR meetings, seminars and roundtable discussions. McBride's goal and hopes for readers is that they will laugh, when the situation may make them feel like crying or giving up and throwing in the HR white towel. She wants to encourage HR generalists, specialists, business partners, analysts, directors and vice presidents to stay in the ring but remember to return to their respective corners (better known as HR colleagues, chapters, associations, or self-help groups) for words of encouragement. You see, HR professionals are among the best cut men and women in the business, and they will have plenty of Vaseline and Band-Aids to mend those proverbial cuts to the heart and confidence. Once the wounded are on the mend, compassionate HR professionals will advise their colleagues to get back in the ring and keep fighting for their internal customers (i.e. employees) that depend on them to fight all 12 rounds everyday. Readers will discover:*It is absolutely acceptable to have a sense of humor in HR.*How far HR has evolved-we've come a long way, baby! *There is no such thing as a typical day in HR-so be prepare for the HR roller coaster ride.*That demanding a seat at the decision-making table is not optional. It's required. So don't forget the dinner napkin for notes!*Why every HR professional needs at least one HR mantra to combat the impulse to wave the white surrender flag.*That HR professionals are known for being motivational fire starters.*How simple modifications to employee policies and best practices can keep their companies out of the court and help avoid threats by employees to sue the company.

Lieutenant "El Tee" Carroll was drafted into the U.S. Army and thrown into the Vietnam War at a firebase camp on the Cambodian border in 1969. His band of colorful warriors, led by Cajun "Sarnt"Jesse Parrod and Specialist Gordon "Ratman" Withers take the reader into ambush with crawling bugs and the smell of burning bodies. The story examines military doctrine, and the lives of those brave young men who wear our uniforms. Orphaned Heroes are those who have always fought in battle and are ignored by their leaders and countrymen back home. This book will put you into the action of flying bullets, and learn the thoughts and hopes of those desperate to survive their orphaned status.

The star and creative force behind Mr. Show and Arrested Development pens his "first and final book, chronicling his meteoric rise and abysmal fall in the literary world." After a decade spent in isolation in the Ugandan jungles thinking about stuff, David Cross has written his first book. Known for roles on the small screen such as "never-nude" Tobias Funke on Arrested Development and the role of "David" in Mr. Show With Bob And David, as well as a hugely successful stand-up routine full of sharp-tongued rants and rages, Cross has carved out his place in American comedy. Whether deflating the pomposity of religious figures, calling out the pathetic symbiosis of pseudo-celebrity and its leaching fandom, or merely pushing the buttons of the way-too-easily offended P.C. left or the caustic, double-standard of the callous (but funnier) right, Cross has something to say about everyone, including his own ridiculous self. Now, for the first time, Cross is weaving his media mockery, celebrity denunciation, religious commentary and sheer madness into book form, revealing the true story behind his almost existential distaste of Jim Belushi ("The Belush"), disclosing the up-to-now unpublished minutes to a meeting of Fox television network executives, and offering up a brutally grotesque run-in with Bill O'Reilly. And as if this wasn't enough for your laughing pleasure in these troubled times, some of the pieces splinter off with additional material being created online in exclusive video and animated web content created solely for the book-a historical first (presumably)! With a mix of personal essays, satirical fiction posing as truth, advice for rich people, information from America's least favorite Rabbi and a top-ten list of top-ten lists, I Drink for a Reason is as unique as the comedian himself, and cannot be missed.

Award-winning author Due's spine tingling tale of supernatural suspense "weaves a stronger net than ever" (Kirkus Reviews") as a woman searches for the inherited power that can save her hometown from the forces of evil.

Master storyteller Christopher Paul Curtis's Newbery Honor novel, featuring his trademark humor and unique narrative voice, is now part of the Scholastic Gold line! Elijah of Buxton, recipient of the Newbery Honor and winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. This edition includes exclusive bonus content!Eleven-year-old Elijah lives in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway slaves near the American border. Elijah's the first child in town to be born free, and he ought to be famous just for that -- not to mention for being the best at chunking rocks and catching fish. Unfortunately, all that most people see is a "fra-gile" boy who's scared of snakes and tends to talk too much. But everything changes when a former slave steals money from Elijah's friend, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the South. Now it's up to Elijah to track down the thief -- and his dangerous journey just might make a hero out of him, if only he can find the courage to get back home.

English teacher by day turned hostess by night. Meet Elizabeth, a privileged, spoiled rich party girl from America’s Los Angeles, who has decided that in order to prove to her parents she isn’t a slacker, a year or two living and working in Japan will be the perfect pit-stop for her and boyfriend / future husband, Eddie. Life overseas will all be a breeze, easy money, and fun, right? WRONG. Not only does living abroad come with its share of challenges, it also comes with culture shock and danger as her unresolved substance abuse problems and craving for excitement get her into trouble and put a strain on her relationship. Will it survive? Her brushes with the underworld place her in life-threatening situations that can get her chopped up and dumped into the East Sea, because somewhere along the way, she has made enemies uninterested in fun and games! Based on and a true story and real-life events