This book is the short slap to the back of the head most people need nowadays. In a world that's more likely to flip the bird than hold the door, it's their reminder of proper behavior. You'll receive a (re-)schooling in manners with lessons split up by situation, then tackled by topic. Each note corrects conduct that's become all too common, like . . . Bad Behavior: Popping a piece of gum into your mouth midconversation, and stressing your point by snapping it. Courteous Fix: If you're going to have a piece of gum while talking to someone, be sure to offer your companion a piece--and keep your mouth closed as you chew. You want your breath to be fresh. Not your attitude. It's a reminder that it wasn't always out of place to be polite.

With engaging and artfully presented text, including sidebars on media mavens throughout history, social gaffes, and archaic manners, this book is as entertaining as it is informative. Readers delve into cultural similarities and differences through lively passages, colorful photography, and sidebars on unique history. Topics include Courtesies and Greetings, Communication and Correspondence, Dining and Entertaining, Hierarchies and Protocol, Hospitality and Occasions, Amusements and Institutions, Boundaries and Cultural Differences, New Technology and Old Manners. Whether you are planning a trip abroad or just want a fascinating, browsable read, find out what is universal and what is merely a product of one's culture.

With Uncommon Courtesy, children will learn 56 ways to be considerate of others in 11 different contexts. The book covers everything from mealtimes to going to church.

Common Good, Uncommon Questions places the Catholic Church's guidance into contemporary context by considering stories, poems, and articles to challenge preconceptions, asking what contribution the Church can make to moral debate.

“Draws on the Zen concept of mindfulness as a means to calm the frenzied mindset that often accompanies contemporary life.” —Publishers Weekly If you ever feel cluttered, scattered, distracted, unfocused, disorganized, preoccupied, overwhelmed, out of control, out of your mind . . . you can change your life. ConZentrate shows you how to master the art of paying attention, in thirty-five clear, practical, simple ways. Whether it’s how to focus on a tedious task when the office is buzzing around you, or how to stop procrastinating, or how to keep your home from being a place of overwhelming clutter—or even how to tackle the challenges of A.D.D.—Sam Horn’s user-friendly book will inspire you to learn how to conzentrate, and discover the key to peak performance. “Fascinating, thought-provoking, and motivating. I highly recommend this remarkable book on mind mastery.” —Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People