Collar to Cleavage is a compelling read, a book that invites the reader to share a series of interweaving ‘life’ journeys. From a childhood in Wales to an adulthood of international proportions; from one country to another – visiting, putting down roots, some in exotic, far-flung places, some in places where you would not want to live by choice. Then to a personal journey which explores the motives and struggles of the human heart. It deals with life transitions both spiritual and emotional; it challenges readers to examine how we process not only the joys but the difficulties and surprises that life has in store. This humorous and autobiographical account will resonate with everyone in some way. Readers are invited to reflect on their own issues in a wonderfully charming and light-hearted way and are introduced to larger-than-life characters from Swansea to Sumatra, from enigmatic Japan to a chicken factory in New Zealand. The book gives an intimate insight into the cultures of the Middle and Far East, especially the role of women. The author’s zest for life in all its fullness is infectious. She deals with the past – the aching loneliness of a marriage, her life as a corporate wife, the shock of a cross-cultural adoption and exploring a life as a priest; we find that in her honesty we are able to understand ourselves better. Change is inevitable, life changes happen. The book is a tale of her life, but it may also be used as the basis for deeper thoughts and discussions on the appropriate sections. Collar to Cleavage will appeal mainly to female readers of autobiographies.

Throughout the industrialised world trade unionists are reforming their organisations as part of a strategy to adjust to new labour market, economic and political circumstances. This volume examines the role of merger activity in this process of reform. The book identifies the pattern of merger activity, the factors that promote its development and its impact on union structure and governance. Most merger activity is shown to originate in some adverse environmental change, such as membership decline. Furthermore, there is little evidence to suggest that mergers have improved union performance in the recruitment, retention and organisation of members, although, in some cases, the reform of systems of membership participation has been facilitated. The shift away from industrial unions has been accelerated by merger involvement, which has also brought into question the role of confederations where the number of affiliated unions has declined markedly. The book comprises two sections. The first section examines the merger process in ten countries (Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, UK and US). The second section comprises three 'horizontal' chapters in which authors of the national chapters develop themes that emerge from the national chapters in comparative perspective.

A timely study of Lipset and Rokkan's classic work, this book examines the significance of the original volume for the history of political sociology and assesses its theoretical and empirical relevance to the present day.

Choanoflagellates have three distinctive claims to fame: they are the closest, living, unicellular relatives of animals; they are a major component of aquatic microbial foodwebs; and one group is remarkable for its siliceous basket-like coverings. This landmark book offers a unique synthesis of over forty years of choanoflagellates research. Key areas are covered, from the phylogenetic evidence supporting the sister-group relationship between choanoflagellates and Metazoa, to choanoflagellate distribution and diversity in marine and freshwater environments. The structure and assembly of choanoflagellate loricae is also presented together with a full discussion of a novel example of 'regulatory evolution', suggesting that the switch from nudiform to tectiform cell division and lorica production was achieved by a sudden reorganisation of existing structures and mechanisms. Providing an authoritative summary of what is currently known about choanoflagellates, this title will serve as a foundation upon which future research and discussion can take place.

Into a sea of pearl white and pale blue comes the hot pink and orange Anti-Bride Guide. The perfect book for anyone alienated by the high-brow wedding industry, this practical guide fills a huge gap in the wedding planner market. A riot to read and filled with sassy illustrations, each chapter offers up fabulous advice and unusual ideas for those brides looking for more than the standard fare. Hundreds of fantastic tips give great insider advice on how to deal with any and all wedding eventualities (lipstick stain on dress, caterer from hell, wedding day breakout). A handy planner and resource guide keeps the bride on track, and tabbed chapters have pockets for stuffing brochures and clippings. For the bride who wants her wedding her way, this is the ultimate guide.

The Visual Dictionary of Fashion Design is a comprehensive guide to the numerous terms associated with, and used within, the field of fashion. Over 250 terms are explained and contextualised, with concise definitions accompanied by illustrations and examples taken from traditional and contemporary fashion design. The dictionary covers traditional terms still in current usage, as well as modern terminology such as Tank top and Militaria. It also defines a wide variety of practical terminology, such as Appliqué, Block printing, Flax, Logo, Silhouette and Tailoring, as well as conceptual expressions including Postmodernism, Juxtaposition and Zeitgeist.

This book of ultimate beauty secrets includes fast-and-easy emergency fixes, tricks for looking fabulous in seconds, celebrity beauty and diet secrets, information on advanced non-surgical breakthroughs and supplements, spa treatments to do at home, and more.