How It Happened (hardback)

Synopsis

This is the HARDBACK version. "HOW IT HAPPENED" The title pretty much says it. The ups. The downs. The good and the bad. The feasting and the famining. And the people. There were always the people. And what incredible people they were. It's hard even now to think that I told Lee J. Cobb, in real life, to stick his cigar "where the sun don't shine." Or to relive the moment of being kissed by one of the most beautiful women in the world. Or singing with a world renowned orchestra in front of 40 million people and bombing. Accolades, being afraid, escapades and renegades. At least two childhood dreams fulfilled (always wanted to be an actor and a cowboy). 'Twas sometimes a whirlwind, sometimes The Dead Sea. But never, ever dull. And always finding the opportunity to laugh my a - - off, which I hope you will do as you peruse the pages of this titillating tome. PRAISES FROM THOSE WHO KNOW "Even I wasn't strong enough to put this book down." CHUCK NORRIS "This book is not not crap." THE OPTIMIST CLUB "Now you're Getting Smart." MEL BROOKS "I lveod erevy wrod." DYSLEXIC DALE "All I can say is that Gary's book is @#%&*@$% great!" JAMES DRURY (THE VIRGINIAN) "I've never seen anything like this." RAY CHARLES "I'll drink to that." ERNEST HEMMINGWAY "I didn't see this one coming, either!" GENERAL CUSTER "What are you doing with your life? Why don't you get a real job?" RITA L'AMOREAUX (MOTHER OF GARY CLARKE) ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Everything you could possibly ever want to know about Gary Clarke you will find written among the flawlessly chosen, impeccably placed words so lovingly yet sophisticatedly held within the creatively custodial covers of this carefully crafted classic.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Spark

* Summary:
* Introduces the concept of "trigger events" that can spark significant changes or crises.
* Discusses the importance of understanding the origins of major events to effectively manage them.
* Real Example:
* The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 sparked World War I.

Chapter 2: The Cascade

* Summary:
* Explores how trigger events can trigger a chain reaction of subsequent events.
* Highlights the role of human decision-making and the potential for escalation in crisis situations.
* Real Example:
* The failure of the Challenger space shuttle in 1986 led to a cascade of events that grounded NASA's space program.

Chapter 3: The Tipping Point

* Summary:
* Discusses the concept of tipping points in complex systems, where small changes can lead to dramatic consequences.
* Emphasizes the importance of identifying and anticipating potential tipping points in order to prevent or mitigate crises.
* Real Example:
* The toppling of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a tipping point that led to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe.

Chapter 4: The Shock

* Summary:
* Explores the psychological and societal impacts of sudden and unexpected events.
* Discusses the challenges of coping with shock and the importance of effective crisis communication.
* Real Example:
* The 9/11 terrorist attacks caused widespread shock and had a profound impact on global security.

Chapter 5: The Recoil

* Summary:
* Examines the natural human tendency to seek safety and stability after a crisis.
* Discusses the importance of managing public expectations and maintaining trust during the recovery phase.
* Real Example:
* Following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, local residents were forced to evacuate and have faced ongoing challenges in returning home.

Chapter 6: The Aftermath

* Summary:
* Analyzes the long-term consequences of significant events, including both positive and negative outcomes.
* Emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to learn from past crises and prevent future ones.
* Real Example:
* The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global health, economies, and societies, and is likely to have lasting consequences for years to come.