Patrick Smith – författare

Dagens rekryteringsarbete kräver strukturerade och forsknings­baserade metoder som förmår att motivera anställningsbeslut såväl internt som externt. Den här boken erbjuder en heltäckande intro­duktion till området rekrytering och urval. Bedömning, arbets­psyko­­l­ogisk testning, den kompetensbaserade intervjun, bakgrundskontroller och psykometri är några exempel på teman som tas upp och diskuteras på djupet.Boken är forskningsbaserad och erbjuder en översikt över relevant teori på området. Läsaren ges även inblick i hur en rekrytering kan gå till i praktiken utifrån en beskrivning av två tänkta fallföretag. Med stöd av relevanta mallar och checklistor guidas läsaren här genom varje steg av urvalsprocessen, och på så vis begripliggörs bokens teoretiska avsnitt på djupet.Rekrytering och urval riktar sig till universitetsstuderande, företrädesvis på personalvetarutbildningar. Den kan även användas som ett praktiskt stöd och uppslagsverk av personer som arbetar med rekrytering, exempelvis som rekryteringskonsult, eller som specialist, strateg eller chef inom HR.

Why America’s founding myths no longer apply, and why we must reconsider the facts of our historyAmericans cherish their national myths, some of which predate the country’s founding. But the time for illusions, nostalgia, and grand ambition abroad has gone by, Patrick Smith observes in this original book. Americans are now faced with a choice between a mythical idea of themselves, their nation, and their global “mission,” on the one hand, and on the other an idea of America that is rooted in historical consciousness. To cling to old myths will ensure America’s decline, Smith warns. He demonstrates with deep historical insight why a fundamentally new perspective and self-image are essential if the United States is to find its place in the twenty-first century.In four illuminating essays, Smith discusses America’s unusual (and dysfunctional) relation with history; the Spanish-American War and the roots of American imperial ambition; the Cold War years and the effects of fear and power on the American psyche; and the uneasy years from 9/11 to the present. Providing a new perspective on our nation’s current dilemmas, Smith also offers hope for change through an embrace of authentic history.

Americans cherish their national myths, some of which predate the country''s founding. But the time for illusions, nostalgia, and grand ambition abroad has gone by, Patrick Smith observes in this original book. Americans are now faced with a choice between a mythical idea of themselves, their nation, and their global "mission," on the one hand, and on the other an idea of America that is rooted in historical consciousness. To cling to old myths will ensure America''s decline, Smith warns. He demonstrates with deep historical insight why a fundamentally new perspective and self-image are essential if the United States is to find its place in the twenty-first century.In four illuminating essays, Smith discusses America''s unusual (and dysfunctional) relation with history; the Spanish-American War and the roots of American imperial ambition; the Cold War years and the effects of fear and power on the American psyche; and the uneasy years from 9/11 to the present. Providing a new perspective on our nation''s current dilemmas, Smith also offers hope for change through an embrace of authentic history.

From one of our foremost experts on Asia and its history comes this brilliant dissection of the relationship between East and West.  In three succinct essays, Patrick Smith investigates the East’s endeavor to adopt Western technology and all that we consider modern. He underscores a crucial distinction between modernization (the simple emulation of the West) and the true task of “becoming modern.” He examines the strategies that three prominent cultures—those of Japan, China, and India—evolved as they encountered materialistic foreign cultures and imported ideas while defending their own traditions. The result, Smith explains, has often been called “doubling”—a division of the self wherein Asians are receptive to Western products and ideas but simultaneously reject these same imports to emphasize the validity of the “unmodern.”  Employing an exceptional combination of reflection and reportage, Smith also examines the often troubled relationship Asians have with history as a result of their encounters with the West. Finally, he considers Asia’s twenty-first-century attempt to define itself without reference to the West for the first time in modern history. The author foresees a new balance in the East-West dialogue—one in which the East transcends old ideals of nationhood (another Western import). Smith asserts that there are fundamental lessons in Asia’s long struggle with the modern: In the twenty-first century, the East will challenge the West just as the West once challenged the East. This is a book of exceptional significance and extraordinary depth.

The Japanese are in the process of re-creating themselves--an endeavor they have undertaken at intervals throughout history, always prompted by a combination of domestic and global forces. In this landmark book, Patrick Smith asserts that a variety of forces--the achievement of material affluence, the Cold War''s end, and the death of Emperor Hirohito--are now spurring Japan once again toward a fundamental redefinition of itself.  As Smith argues, this requires of the West an equally thorough reevaluation of the picture we have held of Japan over the past half-century. He reveals how economic overdevelopment conceals profound political, social, and psychological under-development. And by refocusing on "internal history"  and the Japanese character, Smith offers a new framework for understanding Japan and the Japanese as they really are. The Japanese, he says, are now seeking to alter the very thing we believe distinguishes them: the relationship between the individual and society.Timely, measured, and authoritative, this book illuminates a new Japan, a nation preparing to drop the mask it holds up to the West and to steer a course of its own in the world.Jacket image: The Great Wave of Kanagawa, from 36 Views of Mount Fuji (detail) by Katsushika Hokusai. Private collection.From the Hardcover edition.

Post traumatic stress disorder develops after exposure to one or more terrifying events that have caused, or threatened to cause the sufferer grave physical harm. This book discusses how trauma-focused cognitive therapy can be used to help children and adolescents who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.Cognitive therapy is frequently used to treat adults who suffer from PTSD with proven results. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder provides the therapist with instructions on how CT models can be used with children and young people to combat the disorder. Based on research carried out by the authors, this book covers: assessment procedures and measures formulation and treatment planning trauma focused cognitive therapy methods common hurdles.The authors provide case studies and practical tips, as well as examples of self-report measures and handouts for young people and their parents which will help the practitioner to prepare for working with this difficult client group.Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an accessible, practical, clinically relevant guide for professionals and trainees in child and adolescent mental health service teams who work with traumatized children and young people.

The Trouble with Higher Education is a powerful and topical critique of the Higher Education system in the UK, with relevance to countries with similar systems. Based on the authors’ experiences that span over 30+ years of fieldwork, the issues discussed focus on the problems facing the principle responsibilities of universities: teaching, learning and research. The first half of the book identifies a number of problems that have followed the growth of mass education. It examines their causes and explains their damaging effects. The second half of the book offers a broad vision and makes a number of practical suggestions for ameliorating the problems and improving higher education. Supported by research, the suggestions include: ways of managing universities; proper inspection; better ways of organising students’ learning; improving teaching and learning; better approaches to assessment, and the proper use of ideas such as learning outcomes. Topics discussed include: Chronic under-funding, the replacement of student grants with loans and the introduction of tuition fees. The growth of managerialism. The emphasis on accountability and decline of trust. The growth of a competitive, market ethos. Modular degrees, knowledge treated as a commodity and students seen as customers. The drift towards a two-tiered system, with teaching colleges and research universities. Casualisation of the academic profession. The Trouble with Higher Education is aimed primarily at a professional audience of academics, educationalists, managers, administrators and policy makers, but would interest anyone concerned about higher education. It is suited to professional development courses, and Master’s and doctoral level studies.

The Trouble with Higher Education is a powerful and topical critique of the Higher Education system in the UK, with relevance to countries with similar systems. Based on the authors’ experiences that span over 30+ years of fieldwork, the issues discussed focus on the problems facing the principle responsibilities of universities: teaching, learning and research. The first half of the book identifies a number of problems that have followed the growth of mass education. It examines their causes and explains their damaging effects. The second half of the book offers a broad vision and makes a number of practical suggestions for ameliorating the problems and improving higher education. Supported by research, the suggestions include: ways of managing universities; proper inspection; better ways of organising students’ learning; improving teaching and learning; better approaches to assessment, and the proper use of ideas such as learning outcomes. Topics discussed include: Chronic under-funding, the replacement of student grants with loans and the introduction of tuition fees. The growth of managerialism. The emphasis on accountability and decline of trust. The growth of a competitive, market ethos. Modular degrees, knowledge treated as a commodity and students seen as customers. The drift towards a two-tiered system, with teaching colleges and research universities. Casualisation of the academic profession. The Trouble with Higher Education is aimed primarily at a professional audience of academics, educationalists, managers, administrators and policy makers, but would interest anyone concerned about higher education. It is suited to professional development courses, and Master’s and doctoral level studies.

Using its formidable network of correspondents and contacts, Africa Confidential has produced 400 incisive biographies and commentaries on the people who are shaping Southern Africa, ranging from politicians, business people and the military to writers and religious leaders.

What leads a man in his mid to late thirties to take up the sport of baseball after a fifteen year hiatus? Especially when stressful and potentially humiliating tryouts are involved? The Lutherville, Maryland, Athletics are a ball team composed of plumbers, demolition guys, investment bankers, security guards and salesmen who play for the love of the game. How their passion for the game of baseball affects their lives is the subject of this book.Focusing on Smith's lifelong love affair with sport of baseball, this volume provides a firsthand account of a season in the Baltimore County, Over-30 league from tryouts to the final game. Beginning with childhood experiences in the Kentwood League in Raleigh, North Carolina, it follows Smith through his high school and college years as his interest in the game of baseball waned. The true focus of the book is the re-emergence of the sport as an important part of Smith's life during his mid-thirties and the glory he and his teammates find in simply being ballplayers. Baseball is presented as a unifying force and a thread of stability through the experiences of an ever-shifting world. The changes and appeal of major league baseball are also discussed from the vantage point of Smith and his teammates.

Continuities and Discontinuities assesses the making of Canadian social and labour market policy in the context of two factors-globalization and neoconservatism. Specialists from a variety of fields and disciplines examine the relation between Canada's changing political economy and its social welfare and labour market policy. These essays analysing continuities and discontinuities in policy emerged from research that initially was presented at the 5th Conference on Social Welfare Policy held at Bishop's University in 1991, and that since then has been revised to reflect the situation of the mid-1990s.Part I introduces the three broad areas explored in the volume. Part II addresses new trends in Canadian political economy and their relation to public policy.Part III analyses social welfare policy. Of the essays included, several investigate the democratizing of the Canadian welfare state and controversies in the conception and definition of poverty. Others address the AIDS crisis, health policy, and social policy issues that primarily affect women, children, and native peoples.In Part IV recent Canadian labour market policies are investigated and appraised, and alternatives suggested or evaluated. One essay argues that employment security and high wages could generate high productivity and international competitiveness; another examines the impact of the growth in part-time employment on the welfare state; a third probes the relation of organized labour to a guaranteed annual income; others investigate the impact of neoconservatism on labour market policy-making in various provinces and regions.Globalization and neoconservatism continue to shape change and require constant evaluation. These thought-provoking and informative essays are an important contribution to the ongoing debate on social welfare and labour market policy in Canada.

The Trouble with Higher Education is a powerful and topical critique of the Higher Education system in the UK, with relevance to countries with similar systems. Based on the authors’ experiences that span over 30+ years of fieldwork, the issues discussed focus on the problems facing the principle responsibilities of universities: teaching, learning and research.

The first half of the book identifies a number of problems that have followed the growth of mass education. It examines their causes and explains their damaging effects. The second half of the book offers a broad vision and makes a number of practical suggestions for ameliorating the problems and improving higher education. Supported by research, the suggestions include: ways of managing universities; proper inspection; better ways of organising students’ learning; improving teaching and learning; better approaches to assessment, and the proper use of ideas such as learning outcomes.

Topics discussed include:

Chronic under-funding, the replacement of student grants with loans and the introduction of tuition fees.

The growth of managerialism.

The emphasis on accountability and decline of trust.

The growth of a competitive, market ethos.

Modular degrees, knowledge treated as a commodity and students seen as customers.

The drift towards a two-tiered system, with teaching colleges and research universities.

Casualisation of the academic profession.

The Trouble with Higher Education is aimed primarily at a professional audience of academics, educationalists, managers, administrators and policy makers, but would interest anyone concerned about higher education. It is suited to professional development courses, and Master’s and doctoral level studies.

The Trouble with Higher Education is a powerful and topical critique of the Higher Education system in the UK, with relevance to countries with similar systems. Based on the authors’ experiences that span over 30+ years of fieldwork, the issues discussed focus on the problems facing the principle responsibilities of universities: teaching, learning and research.

The first half of the book identifies a number of problems that have followed the growth of mass education. It examines their causes and explains their damaging effects. The second half of the book offers a broad vision and makes a number of practical suggestions for ameliorating the problems and improving higher education. Supported by research, the suggestions include: ways of managing universities; proper inspection; better ways of organising students’ learning; improving teaching and learning; better approaches to assessment, and the proper use of ideas such as learning outcomes.

Topics discussed include:

Chronic under-funding, the replacement of student grants with loans and the introduction of tuition fees.

The growth of managerialism.

The emphasis on accountability and decline of trust.

The growth of a competitive, market ethos.

Modular degrees, knowledge treated as a commodity and students seen as customers.

The drift towards a two-tiered system, with teaching colleges and research universities.

Casualisation of the academic profession.

The Trouble with Higher Education is aimed primarily at a professional audience of academics, educationalists, managers, administrators and policy makers, but would interest anyone concerned about higher education. It is suited to professional development courses, and Master’s and doctoral level studies.

Post traumatic stress disorder develops after exposure to one or more terrifying events that have caused, or threatened to cause the sufferer grave physical harm. This book discusses how trauma-focused cognitive therapy can be used to help children and adolescents who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.

Cognitive therapy is frequently used to treat adults who suffer from PTSD with proven results. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder provides the therapist with instructions on how CT models can be used with children and young people to combat the disorder. Based on research carried out by the authors, this book covers:

assessment procedures and measures

formulation and treatment planning

trauma focused cognitive therapy methods

common hurdles.

The authors provide case studies and practical tips, as well as examples of self-report measures and handouts for young people and their parents which will help the practitioner to prepare for working with this difficult client group.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an accessible, practical, clinically relevant guide for professionals and trainees in child and adolescent mental health service teams who work with traumatized children and young people.

Post traumatic stress disorder develops after exposure to one or more terrifying events that have caused, or threatened to cause the sufferer grave physical harm. This book discusses how trauma-focused cognitive therapy can be used to help children and adolescents who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.

Cognitive therapy is frequently used to treat adults who suffer from PTSD with proven results. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder provides the therapist with instructions on how CT models can be used with children and young people to combat the disorder. Based on research carried out by the authors, this book covers:

assessment procedures and measures

formulation and treatment planning

trauma focused cognitive therapy methods

common hurdles.

The authors provide case studies and practical tips, as well as examples of self-report measures and handouts for young people and their parents which will help the practitioner to prepare for working with this difficult client group.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an accessible, practical, clinically relevant guide for professionals and trainees in child and adolescent mental health service teams who work with traumatized children and young people.

Continuities and Discontinuities assesses the making of Canadian social and labour market policy in the context of two factors-globalization and neoconservatism. Specialists from a variety of fields and disciplines examine the relation between Canada's changing political economy and its social welfare and labour market policy. These essays analysing continuities and discontinuities in policy emerged from research that initially was presented at the 5th Conference on Social Welfare Policy held at Bishop's University in 1991, and that since then has been revised to reflect the situation of the mid-1990s.Part I introduces the three broad areas explored in the volume. Part II addresses new trends in Canadian political economy and their relation to public policy.Part III analyses social welfare policy. Of the essays included, several investigate the democratizing of the Canadian welfare state and controversies in the conception and definition of poverty. Others address the AIDS crisis, health policy, and social policy issues that primarily affect women, children, and native peoples.In Part IV recent Canadian labour market policies are investigated and appraised, and alternatives suggested or evaluated. One essay argues that employment security and high wages could generate high productivity and international competitiveness; another examines the impact of the growth in part-time employment on the welfare state; a third probes the relation of organized labour to a guaranteed annual income; others investigate the impact of neoconservatism on labour market policy-making in various provinces and regions.Globalization and neoconservatism continue to shape change and require constant evaluation. These thought-provoking and informative essays are an important contribution to the ongoing debate on social welfare and labour market policy in Canada.

Continuities and Discontinuities assesses the making of Canadian social and labour market policy in the context of two factors-globalization and neoconservatism. Specialists from a variety of fields and disciplines examine the relation between Canada's changing political economy and its social welfare and labour market policy. These essays analysing continuities and discontinuities in policy emerged from research that initially was presented at the 5th Conference on Social Welfare Policy held at Bishop's University in 1991, and that since then has been revised to reflect the situation of the mid-1990s.Part I introduces the three broad areas explored in the volume. Part II addresses new trends in Canadian political economy and their relation to public policy.Part III analyses social welfare policy. Of the essays included, several investigate the democratizing of the Canadian welfare state and controversies in the conception and definition of poverty. Others address the AIDS crisis, health policy, and social policy issues that primarily affect women, children, and native peoples.In Part IV recent Canadian labour market policies are investigated and appraised, and alternatives suggested or evaluated. One essay argues that employment security and high wages could generate high productivity and international competitiveness; another examines the impact of the growth in part-time employment on the welfare state; a third probes the relation of organized labour to a guaranteed annual income; others investigate the impact of neoconservatism on labour market policy-making in various provinces and regions.Globalization and neoconservatism continue to shape change and require constant evaluation. These thought-provoking and informative essays are an important contribution to the ongoing debate on social welfare and labour market policy in Canada.

'An essential read for trainee and newly qualified teachers covering all key areas of the primary curriculum. There is a real sense of experienced and enthusiastic practitioners writing about "what makes good" and why, with lots of clear practical examples of how to put ideas into practice.' - Jackie Keith, Deputy Head and Programme Leader for School Direct, London East Teacher Training Alliance To be a successful teacher in primary schools you need to have an informed understanding of a wide range of subjects.  This book provides clear guidance of good practice teaching different subjects in primary education, informed by current curriculum directions, and full of practical advice for the classroom.  Key features: Clear links to the 2014 National Curriculum in England 'In the classroom' examples from schools demonstrate intelligent and engaging ways to teach different subjects Reflective questions challenge you to critically engage with what you have read and apply it to your own teaching This is essential reading for students on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct) and employment-based routes into teaching.

′An essential read for trainee and newly qualified teachers covering all key areas of the primary curriculum. There is a real sense of experienced and enthusiastic practitioners writing about "what makes good" and why, with lots of clear practical examples of how to put ideas into practice.′ - Jackie Keith, Deputy Head and Programme Leader for School Direct, London East Teacher Training Alliance To be a successful teacher in primary schools you need to have an informed understanding of a wide range of subjects.  This book provides clear guidance of good practice teaching different subjects in primary education, informed by current curriculum directions, and full of practical advice for the classroom.  Key features: Clear links to the 2014 National Curriculum in England ′In the classroom′ examples from schools demonstrate intelligent and engaging ways to teach different subjects Reflective questions challenge you to critically engage with what you have read and apply it to your own teaching This is essential reading for students on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct) and employment-based routes into teaching.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA fascinating fear of flying book from a commercial airline pilot and author of the popular website askthepilot.com.For millions of people, travel by air is a confounding, uncomfortable, and even frightening experience. When you go behind the scenes, however, you can see that the grand theater of air travel is actually fascinating. From the intricate design of airport architecture to the logistics of inflight service, here is everything you need to know about flying.Commercial airlines like to hide the truth from customers and do nothing to comfort nervous fliers. And what''s scarier than the unknown? In this aviation book, pilot Patrick Smith breaks down that barrier and tells you everything you need to know about flying, including:- How planes fly, and a revealing look at the men and women who fly them- Straight talk on turbulence, pilot training, and safety- The real story on delays, congestion, and the dysfunction of the modern airport- The myths and misconceptions of cabin air and cockpit automation- Terrorism in perspective, and a provocative look at security- Airfare, seating woes, and the pitfalls of airline customer service- The true colors and cultures of the airlines we love to hateCockpit Confidential is a thoughtful, funny, and at times deeply personal look into the strange and misunderstood world of commercial flying. If you liked other books about airplanes for adults, including Soar by Tom Bunn or Skyfaring, you''ll find reassurance, humor, and guidance in Cockpit Confidential. "Anyone remotely afraid of flying should read this book, as should anyone who appreciates good writing and great information." —The New York Times, on ASK THE PILOT"Patrick Smith is extraordinarily knowledgeable about modern aviation…the ideal seatmate, a companion, writer and explorer." —Boston Globe

A young woman is brutally murdered on an island near Stockholm – a haunt of wealthy retirees and arty weekenders. Suspicion falls first on a family of Iraqi refugees, initially welcomed into the community but gradually feared and shunned. But then, as the victim''s story unfolds, suspicion begins inexorably to fall elsewhere. Lena Sundman was rude, dysfunctional, and very young. Everything a fastidious man like Dan Byrne disliked. Taking refuge on the island after the sudden death of his wife, Dan finds himself strangely drawn to the troubled girl, starting from the moment he reluctantly rescues her in the teeth of a gathering snowstorm. This is a taut, elegantly chilling drama in the tradition of Scandinavian masters from Ibsen to Larsson.

The Outperformers: Lessons from Top Law Firm Leaders steps inside the boardrooms of the legal profession’s most admired and profitable institutions to uncover the approach to leadership, strategic choices and cultural attributes that have propelled these firms to evolve and become stronger versions of themselves. Through candid, first-hand accounts from top law firm leaders, authors Kent Zimmermann, Patrick Smith and Carlyn Kolker examine how visionary management, detailed planning, consensus building and disciplined execution have driven extraordinary performance and enduring success. Coverage explores: • how geographic, client and talent pressures are reshaping the competitive landscape; • why outperformance feeds future advantage in retention and recruiting; • how top leaders create sustainable success by aligning their partnerships around a clear vision for the future and measurable goals to achieve it; • dovetailing compensation with strategy acceleration to drive long-term competitiveness and market leadership; • how laterals, groups and M&A can be deployed strategically to enhance market leadership, scale and profitability; • what the most impactful firm leaders do to succeed in an increasingly dynamic competitive environment; and • how a new generation of business leaders is redefining management excellence in outperforming law firms. Written for law firm leaders, partners, future partners and business professionals, this Special Report is rich with leadership lessons, insights and practical guidance from law firm leaders who have achieved sustained success in ultra-competitive segments of the legal industry.

The Outperformers: Lessons from Top Law Firm Leaders steps inside the boardrooms of the legal profession's most admired and profitable institutions to uncover the approach to leadership, strategic choices and cultural attributes that have propelled these firms to evolve and become stronger versions of themselves. Through candid, first-hand accounts from top law firm leaders, authors Kent Zimmermann, Patrick Smith and Carlyn Kolker examine how visionary management, detailed planning, consensus building and disciplined execution have driven extraordinary performance and enduring success. Coverage explores: how geographic, client and talent pressures are reshaping the competitive landscape; why outperformance feeds future advantage in retention and recruiting; how top leaders create sustainable success by aligning their partnerships around a clear vision for the future and measurable goals to achieve it; dovetailing compensation with strategy acceleration to drive long-term competitiveness and market leadership; how laterals, groups and M&A can be deployed strategically to enhance market leadership, scale and profitability; what the most impactful firm leaders do to succeed in an increasingly dynamic competitive environment; and how a new generation of business leaders is redefining management excellence in outperforming law firms. Written for law firm leaders, partners, future partners and business professionals, this Special Report is rich with leadership lessons, insights and practical guidance from law firm leaders who have achieved sustained success in ultra-competitive segments of the legal industry.

Dieses e-book stellt alle Lösungen sowie sämtliche Transkripte zum Lehrwerk "Englisch für den Badebetrieb" bereit. Es ermöglicht die Überprüfung der eigenen Lernergebnisse.

'An essential read for trainee and newly qualified teachers covering all key areas of the primary curriculum. There is a real sense of experienced and enthusiastic practitioners writing about "what makes good" and why, with lots of clear practical examples of how to put ideas into practice.' - Jackie Keith, Deputy Head and Programme Leader for School Direct, London East Teacher Training Alliance To be a successful teacher in primary schools you need to have an informed understanding of a wide range of subjects.  This book provides clear guidance of good practice teaching different subjects in primary education, informed by current curriculum directions, and full of practical advice for the classroom.  Key features: Clear links to the 2014 National Curriculum in England 'In the classroom' examples from schools demonstrate intelligent and engaging ways to teach different subjects Reflective questions challenge you to critically engage with what you have read and apply it to your own teaching This is essential reading for students on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct) and employment-based routes into teaching.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA fascinating fear of flying book from a commercial airline pilot and author of the popular website askthepilot.com.For millions of people, travel by air is a confounding, uncomfortable, and even frightening experience. When you go behind the scenes, however, you can see that the grand theater of air travel is actually fascinating. From the intricate design of airport architecture to the logistics of inflight service, here is everything you need to know about flying.Commercial airlines like to hide the truth from customers and do nothing to comfort nervous fliers. And what's scarier than the unknown? In this aviation book, pilot Patrick Smith breaks down that barrier and tells you everything you need to know about flying, including:How planes fly, and a revealing look at the men and women who fly them Straight talk on turbulence, pilot training, and safety The real story on delays, congestion, and the dysfunction of the modern airport The myths and misconceptions of cabin air and cockpit automation Terrorism in perspective, and a provocative look at security Airfare, seating woes, and the pitfalls of airline customer service The true colors and cultures of the airlines we love to hateCockpit Confidential is a thoughtful, funny, and at times deeply personal look into the strange and misunderstood world of commercial flying. If you liked other books about airplanes for adults, including Soar by Tom Bunn or Skyfaring, you'll find reassurance, humor, and guidance in Cockpit Confidential."Anyone remotely afraid of flying should read this book, as should anyone who appreciates good writing and great information." —The New York Times, on ASK THE PILOT"Patrick Smith is extraordinarily knowledgeable about modern aviation…the ideal seatmate, a companion, writer and explorer."  —Boston Globe