James Dale Bücher

Part memoir, part call to action, this young readers' edition dives into the inspiring life of the late U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings--from childhood through his time as chairman of the House Oversight Committee--and his tireless fight for justice. Elijah's story comes complete with a full-color insert of photographs from the congressman's life. Growing up as the child of former sharecroppers in a segregated Baltimore, Elijah Cummings saw firsthand how injustice could run rampant, even in a democracy that promises fairness and equality. But with a strong support system and fiery self-discipline, Elijah utilized the momentum of the civil rights movement to overcome the obstacles of poverty and racism to effect change at a time when our country so badly needed it. In We're Better Than This, readers will learn not only that we must be and do better than our oppressors but that it is our shared responsibility as a nation to keep our democracy intact because it is the only way to pursue freedom, justice, and equality for all.

With a foreword by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Baltimore Congressman Elijah Cummings was known for his assertion, “We’re better than this.” He voiced this sentiment amidst the turmoil in Baltimore over police treatment of citizens, in Congress when free speech was stifled, and when the President ignored the Constitution and resorted to bullying and racial division. Cummings maintained this belief until his passing in October. He emphasized the importance of calling out injustices and striving for a better self. In this work, Cummings shares the pivotal moments that shaped his commitment to holding President Donald Trump accountable. He intertwines the urgent drama of contemporary politics with defining stories from his upbringing as the son of sharecroppers in a racially and economically challenged South Baltimore neighborhood. Cummings was recognized for his ability to mediate conflicts in Congress and collaborate across party lines for justice. From his early political career, he demonstrated leadership and legal acumen, advocating for the underserved. This memoir serves as both a personal narrative and a call to action, revealing insights into House Democratic leadership and the unprecedented obstructionism from the President and GOP. Cummings’ concluding thoughts underscore the essential role of government oversight in fostering trust and advocate for maintaining optimism in challenging times.

Cal Ripken Jr., renowned as the "Iron Man" for his incredible streak of 2,632 consecutive games, shares profound lessons from his baseball career and personal life. Drawing on his experiences as a nineteen-time All-Star and World Series champion, he emphasizes core values and principles that extend beyond the diamond, offering insights into resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in both sports and life.

"There are elite athletes in every sport -- people who possess tangible and intangible qualities that allow them to overcome daunting odds, spot opportunity in the midst of adversity, and turn defeat into victory. No position embodies this dynamic more than football quarterbacks, and nothing is a greater test of performance than the NFL. The tangibles -- metrics, stats, ratings, bowl games, championships -- are critical to evaluation. But they're not enough. Every year, highly rated college quarterbacks are analyzed, critiqued, hyped up and/or doubted, and those who manage to survive the scrutiny are drafted early. Some of those early picks make it to the top, some end up journeymen, and some just wash out. Why? What separates the elites from the pack? In THE Q FACTOR, former NFL coach Brian Billick takes the highly promising 2018 NFL quarterback Draft class -- the most touted class since 2004 (Manning, Roethlisberger, Rivers) and 1983 (Elway, Kelly, Marino) -- and measures the top five quarterback picks to gauge how, why, and if they succeed. They are all first rounders, all with sterling college credentials, all talented athletes, all taken by teams betting their futures. One or maybe two could go on to greatness. But which ones, and why? Could the prediction process be better? Are the "experts" looking at the wrong factors? How do we find the best of the best?"-- Provided by publisher

Exploring the complexities of human experience, this book delves into moments that evoke joy and provoke deep reflection. It captures the essence of curiosity about the world, inviting readers to ponder the reasons behind their emotions and the intricacies of life. Through a blend of thoughtful observations, it encourages a deeper understanding of what brings happiness and the mysteries that challenge our perceptions.

One of the most successful dealmakers in the sports industry presents unique negotiating strategies. The lessons learned and methods used should be required reading for anyone whose business relies on negotiation. Respect and fairness are key to success. "In the field of negotiation, Ron Shapiro is regarded as the quintessence of class and integrity," says Herb Cohen. This book is filled with anecdotes and insights, making it essential for building long-term, mutually profitable relationships. Ron Shapiro, a corporate lawyer and respected sports agent, has worked with baseball legends like Cal Ripken, Jr. and Kirby Puckett. Rising to the top in a competitive field, he succeeded by being a nice guy. Along with business partner Mark Jankowski, a negotiations expert, Shapiro reveals how anyone can achieve their goals through the "power of nice." They have shared their insights with Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and government agencies. While many negotiators adopt a hardball approach, risking future opportunities, Shapiro and Jankowski advocate for a kinder method that fosters strong business connections. Their systematic approach, based on "the three Ps"—preparing, probing, and proposing—maximizes results. Supported by portable negotiation summaries, this book is essential for anyone needing to negotiate, whether with customers, teenagers, or in travel situations.