Michael James

Poetry & Strikes examines shifting representations of strike action in the work of six British poets from the 1970s to the present day. It considers how these poets have come to contend with, and contribute to, narratives surrounding industrial disputes. Through these conversations, the book attempts to question the way in which union narratives and legacies are constructed, and to investigate the power dynamics that underpin the presentation of labour histories. The work of these poets helps us to understand how cultural memories have been formed, and makes it possible to see how these legacies may still be rewritten and reframed.

Prison Reform is a much needed and long overdue concept that's necessary to ensure that the product the Dept. of Corrections releases back into society is better that the one it inherited. The reality is, most prisoners get out. Today, even life doesn't necessarily mean life. It's in everybody's best interest to ensure returning citizens have meaningful opportunities upon release. That work has to be done behind the walls.The DOC is entrusted to operate a three quarters of a billion dollar budget, virtually unchecked. There is zero "real" oversight. The kind of power gone unchecked, corrupts.Massachusetts prisons have seen a reduction in population by half, while a third of it's facilities have been shuttered. The remaining ones are left in disrepair and decay. During that same time, the DOC budget has doubled. At that rate, in five years this budget will exceed a billion dollars.Through sheer downsizing alone, things should have improved. Coincidentally, the only continued improvements we've seen are staff salaries and over- time. With an inmate to staff ratio below 2 to 1, amongst the lowest in the nation, it's apparent where the budget is being prioritized.I'm hoping this book enlightens people as to just how mismanaged the DOC is. A taxpayer funded state agency where such little is divulged to the taxpayer. Transparency and accountability should be given to ensure Public Safety. Success should be gauged by the products you produce and not by the size of employee paychecks.With over two million people incarcerated in the U.S., you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't know somebody who's been involved with the criminal justice system in one way or another. This truly effects us all.

Prison Reform is a much needed and long overdue concept that's necessary to ensure that the product the Dept. of Corrections releases back into society is better that the one it inherited. The reality is, most prisoners get out. Today, even life doesn't necessarily mean life. It's in everybody's best interest to ensure returning citizens have meaningful opportunities upon release. That work has to be done behind the walls.The DOC is entrusted to operate a three quarters of a billion dollar budget, virtually unchecked. There is zero "real" oversight. The kind of power gone unchecked, corrupts.Massachusetts prisons have seen a reduction in population by half, while a third of it's facilities have been shuttered. The remaining ones are left in disrepair and decay. During that same time, the DOC budget has doubled. At that rate, in five years this budget will exceed a billion dollars.Through sheer downsizing alone, things should have improved. Coincidentally, the only continued improvements we've seen are staff salaries and over- time. With an inmate to staff ratio below 2 to 1, amongst the lowest in the nation, it's apparent where the budget is being prioritized.I'm hoping this book enlightens people as to just how mismanaged the DOC is. A taxpayer funded state agency where such little is divulged to the taxpayer. Transparency and accountability should be given to ensure Public Safety. Success should be gauged by the products you produce and not by the size of employee paychecks.With over two million people incarcerated in the U.S., you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't know somebody who's been involved with the criminal justice system in one way or another. This truly effects us all.

After the success of All Day Baking: Savoury, Not Sweet (as featured on Jamie Oliver's Cookbook Club), Michael and Pippa James return with Sweet Seasons: Wholesome Celebrations For Every Occasion, featuring more than 80 delectable recipes from retro hits to modern marvels. Discover how to embrace the sustainable side of sweets by using seasonal fruits, alternative sugars, wholegrains and other flours. Try fail-safe recipes for traditional favourites such as Hot Cross Buns, Mince Pies, and other festive fare, and nail the classics such as Custard Tart, Sponge Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies and other achievable treats.Sweet Seasons also includes wonderful recipes for perfect pastries and pies, brownies, biscuits and more. You’ll find fabulous Florentines, luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, and creative custards and curds. It’s the only sweet book you’ll need to celebrate every season.