LBC Leading Britain's Conversation

They say everyone today wants to be a celebrity. Certainly, we're all happy to watch them. From reality television and talent shows to tabloid splashes and gossip magazines, the road to modern fame is littered with the hopeful, the misguided, and, occasionally, the downright cynical. It's often a tale of rags to riches and then back to rags again. So why can't we stop looking? And who exactly buys the T-shirt, wears the perfume, visits the salon? In this witty and insightful tour of the underbelly of the celebrity world, LBC's Steve Allen takes us by the hand and leads us through the highs and lows of life as a modern-day 'sleb' – why they're there, and what we've all done to deserve this. Required reading for watchers and wannabes alike, this is your essential guide to one of the most bonkers aspects of modern Britain.,

In 1971, at the height of the Vietnam War and at a time of great political and social instability, two of the world's leading intellectuals, Noam Chomsky and Michel Foucault, were invited by Dutch philosopher Fons Elders to debate an age-old question: is there such a thing as "innate" human nature independent of our experiences and external influences? The resulting dialogue is one of the most original, provocative, and spontaneous exchanges to have occurred between contemporary philosophers, and above all serves as a concise introduction to their basic theories. What begins as a philosophical argument rooted in linguistics (Chomsky) and the theory of knowledge (Foucault), soon evolves into a broader discussion encompassing a wide range of topics, from science, history, and behaviorism to creativity, freedom, and the struggle for justice in the realm of politics. In addition to the debate itself, this volume features a newly written introduction by noted Foucault scholar John Rajchman and includes substantial additional texts by Chomsky and Foucault.

Do our political leaders embody your hopes and dreams? More importantly, when was the last time you looked at a politician and thought, 'That's someone I'd like to have a drink with'? Chances are, not recently enough. Let's look at the state of politics today. Our representatives sit in a Westminster bubble; the vast majority are one-track careerists who've never held down a proper job. Is it any wonder that people feel disconnected from all of this? This book is about the gap between politicians and the people. It's about being real, being honest, and – crucially, this is Britain after all – keeping a sense of humour. And it's the only place to find out why Boris needs to know his beans from his bubbles and Diane Abbott wants a new bread roll. Including Nick Ferrari's dream cabinet, his Finishing School for Politicians and other visionary ideas that might never change the world, this very funny but, ultimately, very important book is for all of us, from the political grandee all the way down to the 'NEET'. Welcome to the new politics, Nick Ferrari style.

The NHS is an institution close to the hearts of most Britons. People even profess to 'love it'. But it is now of pensionable age and, some would say, no longer fit for purpose. It isn't possible to reform the NHS until we accept that it cannot meet every demand made of it. We need to embrace the private sector rather than belittle or restrict it. This book does not seek to denigrate or dismantle the NHS, but to identify the issues that need to be addressed head on, whichever party is in power. It will make uncomfortable reading for some. Putting patient care and outcomes at the top of his personal manifesto for the NHS, Iain Dale slams the indecision and political dogma of successive health secretaries, but is firmly of the view that with £120 billion being spent on the NHS, it's impossible to take politics out of it. This is a must read for anyone who works in the NHS – or who uses it. It's time to say the things that need to be said.

For grumpy old men everywhere: what are the things that have made Britain less great? Outspoken and controversial commentator Duncan Barkes looks at the "dumbing down" of BritainIn this enjoyable diatribe, Duncan Barkes picks over the remnants of a once great nation, and hones in on the issues that he feels have changed Britain for the worse. In this dumbed-down nation, our liberty is constantly threatened by increasing state control. Barkes pulls no punches in putting modern Britain to rights, covering topics that will resonate with readers up and down the UK, including: voter apathy and the pathetic excuses given for not bothering, technology turning all of us into robots and killing conversation, the smoking ban, the demise of the traditional pub, the rise of NIMBYism, people's inability to dress properly and the growth of the "onesie," the death of the real man, CCTV and the gathering of information on us all, and our unhealthy obsession with trash TV. As you've probably worked out for yourself, it is a pretty grumpy book.