The Joe Public Guide to The Sicilian Mafia

This, the latest in the series of Joe Public Guides, gives a potted history of the Sicilian Mafia from its origins in mid-nineteenth century Palermo, through two world wars and numerous internecine battles up to the present day.
All the key players are there throughout the development of the Mafia's complex structure and traditions, as organised crime spreads its tendrils into local and national government, the Church and big business and gradually sails across to the New World to create perhaps its more well-known and glamorous offspring in North America.
As the brave men and women of the law try and fail time and again to eradicate its existence, the Mafia endures by being loyal to nothing but itself. Violence and intimidation and the money and power which they bring are the Mafia's only lasting goals.

The Graduate Book

“It’s a tough world out there for graduates—and students definitely

 know it. As a result, we’re seeing more and more that they’re preparing

 for post-graduation life early. The Student Book and The Graduate Book

 are invaluable resources, showing them exactly how to get ahead of

 the game whilst still at uni, and what to do if they’ve left their career

 planning until the very last minute! From a real-life success story, it offers

 crucial advice in an engaging and light-hearted way. An essential

 wherever you are in your university career or graduate job search!”

 Lucy Miller, Senior Editor – The National Student

 “We talk and interview with literally thousands of students every year

 and less than 5% of them really know what they need to do to land that

 vital first job. These books should be compulsory reading for every

 student and new graduate.

 We highly recommend it.”

 Jack Catherall, Managing Director Wiser Elite and Wiser Digital.

The Gay Bible

This book is a guide to queer terminology. It contains correct terminology and slurs. It’s a what to say and what not to say. The world of gay and queer terms can be difficult to navigate when it seems new terms are appearing every other day. No one is saying you must agree with them, but we are saying you’ve got to respect a human for what they wish to be called. So, strap in and strap on for the ride of your life.

The Future Knowledge Compendium

Thriving in the 21^st Century

Humans have a unique capability to both understand their situation in the world and to envision and act to realise their aspirations in the emerging world. And most of us would welcome knowing how we can become ever more skilful at both understanding, and shaping the future of, our emerging world, so that we can thrive in it. The 21^st century is very different from the 20^th century. Globalisation, the greatest economic prosperity uplifting machine humanity has ever invented, and mass education, are combining to sweep humanity into an emerging interdependent global village. It is creating a global educated middle class that will number 5 billion in 2030.

In this emerging world, a world where our future prosperity will be increasingly based on metaphysical wealth, on what we know, 20^th century nation-first, competitive, win/lose, mindsets and agendas can no longer work. These now yesteryear mindsets will instead undermine our best endeavours, including making our future ever more climate and pandemic safe.

Humanity is now beginning to learn that it now has no option but to adopt planet-first, collaborative, win/win values and mindsets, if it wishes to shape our emerging global village so that it can become liveable for all: ever more prosperous, harmonious, inclusive, sustainable, healthy, and secure. Meeting these challenges successfully will require that humanity innovates for itself a new future knowledge curriculum so that it can economically thrive in a sustainable and humane manner.

Peter Ellyard has asked the question: what would be the contents of such a curriculum? In The Future Knowledge Compendium: A Curriculum for Thriving in the 21^st Century, he has sought to answer this question.

The Fifth Kingdom

BABYLON, MEDO-PERSIA, GREECE & ROME were the four great kingdoms in the ancient world. After the Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, people were searching for peace and assurance for their salvation. The world is chaotic with terrifying headlines: THE WORLD TRADE CENTER ATTACK, NORTH KOREA MISSILE THREAT, CHINA INVASION & RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR and risk of a third world war. Who will be the next kingdom to rule the world? The country with the most powerful nuclear weapons will conquer all nations. The Fifth Kingdom will rule the world.

The Diaspora Dilemma

The African diaspora have been subjected to oppression for decades since the end of the transatlantic slave trade. In recent times this oppression has been most visible in the form of live killing and murder executed by law enforcement officers. However, the extent of the problems that face people of colour in the West are not limited to police brutality; the challenges are much broader spanning across every area of society: from politics and law to health and housing to economics and entrainment. Not only are the challenges wide-ranging, they are often interconnected.Following the death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, for the first-time people from all walks of life in the West stood up together to push back against racial oppression. This book provides an overview of the key challenges facing the African Diaspora, how things can be improved, and how they are related.

The Decision Paradigm

Decisions, decisions, decisions… Throughout history, people have had to step up to the plate, and make tough decisions. Sometimes they have had time to plan, but often they have had to act spontaneously, knowing that the choices they make there and then are quite likely to be sifted over for months and years after should the outcome be ‘wrong’. In today’s litigious, ‘trial by media’ society, it is little wonder that people are less willing to put themselves in the firing line. But what if there was a better way? The Decision Paradigm gives an insight into that world. Using a step-by-step approach, the ‘Problem Oriented Decision System’ (PODS) leads to better problem analysis and provides a clear, evidence-based approach which enables the user to explain how they came to make the choice they did, and not just why? The Decision Paradigm is an essential handbook for anyone in the public or private sector who needs to take their organisation forward with accountable decision making.

The Cost of Caring

Thousands of doctors and nurses suffer with mental health problems. Often in secret, carrying on their life, saving work at a huge cost to themselves. This is the story of how depression sunk its teeth into me and the battles it took me to overcome it. This is the story of how I went from doctor to patient and back again. This is the story of how I beat depression and a way of letting you know that you can too. This is The Cost of Caring.

The Conscious Code

In an age where Artificial Intelligence (AI) evolves at a breakneck pace, the boundaries of machine capabilities are constantly being redefined. Propelled by advancements in deep learning and related technologies, AI is inching ever closer to mimicking human intellect. But can it achieve consciousness? And if so, at what cost to humanity?This book delves deep into the multi-faceted debate surrounding artificially conscious AI. It untangles ethical quandaries, philosophical dilemmas, technological challenges, political considerations, and the regulatory landscape. By drawing connections between AI research, neuroscience, and cognitive science, the narrative provides a comprehensive understanding of what consciousness might mean in the context of AI.As over a thousand AI luminaries globally sound the alarm, urging a pause on certain AI developments, the book underscores the urgency of its message. Recent incidents have spotlighted AI systems with capabilities so advanced that even their creators grapple to fully grasp or control them. It’s imperative, now more than ever, to critically assess the implications of AI consciousness, weighing its potential risks against its benefits. This book offers both a timely warning and a call to informed action.

The Complete A-Z of German Verbs

I think I know which verb to use….but can I use it in this context….? I have a verb in my mind that I think should be used, yet is it the one used by German speakers themselves? How can I find out?!

Does this sound like you? As a fellow linguist and Translator, I completely empathise. This was the question I asked myself for many years. The world of languages can be a tricky one indeed. Countless days of learning verb tables and endings and running through verb after verb; this may seem like an impossible feat, yet is one commonly undertaken by dedicated linguists.

My book, The Complete A-Z of German Verbs, seeks to break down this confusing process, providing students with a guide to help understand the multiple uses of German verbs in different scenarios. Upon reading this book, you will gain an insight into morphological patterns that may have eluded you in the past and will guide you on your path to becoming a talented German linguist. Are you ready? 

The Chocolate Elephant Part 1

Putting Information Technology first and the business second is putting the cart before the horse.

In most organisations, there seems to be a disconnect between the business and Information Technology, and in some regards, IT is looked on as the silver bullet that can be used to resolve all problems and issues. This has occurred due to Information Technology becoming so embedded in organisations and being required for the execution of most business processes.

It should be noted that Information Technology is a tool used to enable the execution of a business process. It is an important tool, but nonetheless, it is only a tool.

Organisations need to shift the focus back to the business and ensure that the technology they are using fits in with the requirements of their business processes. This will ensure that businesses become more efficient and effective and that they are only using and being supported for the technology that they require. Only in very exceptional circumstances, should a business process be altered to fit in with Information Technology.

The Chinese Warren Buffett

“The Chinese Warren Buffett” The King of 1% Weekly Returns