Although the preface says that the tales in this collection of supernatural stories should not be taken seriously and just aim to dispel boredom, "Zibuyu" is a work with different reading levels, which allows to uncover several deep trends, taboos and fantasies of late imperial intellectual circles. Disgust, surprise and laughter are constantly evoked, by continually attracting and repulsing the reader. Yuan Mei s approach guides the reader to an adventure in the dangerous recesses of the self. It is a sort of allegoric fantastic reflection on the relative and polyphonic essence of human beings, the multiplicity of selves from psychological perception, and a challenge to the traditional biographical and historical perspective for the unreliability of destiny. Dreams, madness, delusions and other extreme cognitive and affective conditions, abnormal events, gods and spirits, and the dark world of death lead to a reversal of perspective and destroy the Apollonian vision of the social-centered Confucian orthodoxy. With introduction, translation and comments."
"The press has become a tool of oppression-politicized, self-aware, self-motivated, and power-hungry. . In short, these people can no longer be trusted." -From S.E. Cupp's "Losing Our Religion" " "It's time to wake up and smell the bias. "The go-to commentator for such programs as Fox News's "Hannity "and CNN's "Larry King Live "and "Reliable Sources," S.E. Cupp is just that-a reliable source for the latest news, trends, and forecasts in young, bright, conservative America. Savvy and outspoken when shattering left-leaning assumptions as she did in "Why You're Wrong About the Right," Cupp now takes on the most pressing threat to the values and beliefs held and practiced by the majority of Americans: the marginalizing of Christianity by the flagrantly biased liberal media. From her galvanizing introduction, you know where S.E. Cupp stands: She's an atheist. A non-believer. Which makes her the perfect impartial reporter from the trenches of a culture war dividing America and eroding the Judeo-Christian values on which this country was founded. Starting at the top, she exposes the unwitting courtship of President Obama and the liberal press, which consistently misreports or downplays Obama's clear discomfort with, or blatant disregard for, religious America-from covering up religious imagery in the backdrop of his Georgetown University speech to his absence from events surrounding the National Day of Prayer, to identifying America in his inaugural address as, among other things, "a nation of non-believers." She likens the calculated attacks of the liberal media to a class war, a revolution with a singular purpose: to overthrow God and silence Christian America for good. And she sends out an urgent call for "all "Americans to push back the leftist propaganda blitz striking on the Internet, radio, television, in films, publishing, and print journalism-or invite the tyrannies of a "mainstream" media set on mocking our beliefs, controlling our decisions, and ex
Flying cars, space travel for everyone, the elimination of poverty and hunger, and powerful new tools to combat disease, and even aging. These are some of the amazing predicted developments of nanotechnology, the coming science of designing and building machines at the molecular and atomic levels. Will this new scientific revolution be for better or worse? Some commentators have described utopias; others have prophesied disaster. Find out the likely reality from an expert, Dr. J. Storrs Hall, in this absorbing insider's guide to the near future. Dr. Hall - a leading researcher on the frontiers of nanotechnology who has designed for NASA - describes nanotechnology in a very accessible way, so that anyone can understand what it's about, what it could do, and what it can't do. He puts it into historical context, explaining how previous technological developments have affected us, how nanotechnology fits into the historical trends for technologies ranging from motors to medicine, and how the continuation of these trends, with nanotechnology as a strong determining factor, will have a profound impact on the future. In addition to describing his famous invention Utility Fog, Hall explains how nanotechnology will make possible many of the science fiction dreams of the past. But what hurdles, technological, political, or social, stand in the way? What dangers will this powerful new technology pose? How will it impact the environment? Can we afford to develop it? Can we afford not to? The true dangers are not what you may think, and are far different from the fears of today's alarmists. In a straightforward, balanced manner, Dr. Hall analyzes the benefits as well as the potential risks. Together with its sister science of biotechnology, nanotechnology has the potential to alter the very human race, change who we are. Can this possibly be good? Should it be encouraged or opposed? No one knows for sure, but the basis for informed thought can be found in these exciting, stimu
"Wise. Relevant. Riveting." -Jim Collins, author of "Good to Great" Denial is the unconscious belief that a certain fact is too terrible to face and therefore cannot be true. It turns challenges into crises, dilemmas into catastrophes. It's the single greatest obstacle business leaders face. Now Harvard business School professor Richard S. Tedlow tackles two essential questions: Why do so many sane, smart leaders often refuse to accept and act on the facts that threaten their companies and careers? And how do we find the courage to resist denial when facing new trends, changing markets, and tough new competitors? Tedlow highlights strategies the best leaders use to face hard facts and turn challenges into opportunities. His book will help you become one of them.
Using examples ranging from Ikea to the slums of Mumbai, leading economic expert Hamish McRae studies which businesses, organisations and initiatives have what it takes to succeed, and what it is that distinguishes them in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Calling on years of experience as an award-winning financial journalist and international public speaker, the author brings a fresh perspective to the question of success, differentiating the few 'big ideas' that have transformed the marketplace from passing trends and over-hyped blind alleys. Through an extraordinary range of case studies and an authoritative grasp of his material, the author demonstrates that although there is no surefire recipe for success, there are several key ingredients such as sense of mission and market sensitivity which ambitious readers can apply to their own business practices. This is a book of very real successes rather than overblown ideologies: each case study is based around an on-site visit by an author and interviews with the people in charge. Bearing in mind the role of fashion, scale and other less predictable factors, What Works ultimately offers the general reader the chance to learn from some of the grandest economic successes and unexpected failures in the world today, through a series of imaginative, unusual and insightful examples.
What makes us human? In recent decades, researchers have focused on innate tendencies and inherited traits as explanations for human behavior, especially in light of groundbreaking human genome research. The author thinks this trend is misleading. As he shows in great detail in this engaging, thought-provoking, and highly informative book, what makes our species unique is our marvelous ability to learn, which is an ability that no other primate possesses. In his exploration of human progress, the author reveals that the immensity of human learning has not been fully understood or examined. Evolution has endowed us with extremely versatile bodies and a brain comprised of one hundred billion neurons, which makes us especially suited for a wide range of sophisticated learning. Already in childhood, human beings begin learning complex repertoires-language, sports, value systems, music, science, rules of behavior, and many other aspects of culture. These repertoires build on one another in special ways, and our brains develop in response to the learning experiences we receive from those around us and from what we read and hear and see. When humans gather in society, the cumulative effect of building learning upon learning is enormous. The author presents a new way of understanding humanness-in the behavioral nature of the human body, in the unique human way of learning, in child development, in personality, and in abnormal behavior. With all this, and his years of basic and applied research, he develops a new theory of human evolution and a new vision of the human being. This book offers up a unified concept that not only provides new ways of understanding human behavior and solving human problems but also lays the foundations for opening new areas of science.
Fabulosity (n): 1: a state of everything that is fabulous 2: a quality ascribed to that which expresses glamour, style, charisma, power, and heartKimora Lee Simmons knows what it means to have fabulosity - and she wants to tell you how to get it. In this empowering new book, Kimora - a top model, wife of hip-hop legend Russell Simmons, mother to two daughters, a national media presence, and president and creative director of the multimillion-dollar Baby Phat company - shares her personal secrets of success and fabulosity. Kimora knows that in today's ultracompetitive world, it's not enough for women just to be smart or dress well. With too much to do and competition everywhere, the savvy woman must know how to combine feminine glamour with professional power, business ambition with personal values, and confidence with heart. Kimora is the living picture of all these things. What are Kimora's secrets to achieving her goals, her signature fabulosity? One is her ability to identify and build upon her own unique talents and strengths. In Kimora's case, she brilliantly combined the two worlds she knows best - the high fashion and hip-hop scenes - to create Baby Phat, her ultrasuccessful hip-hop inspired lifestyle brand. How do you uncover and develop your own special talents? Kimora shares her step-by-step guide to achieving your wildest dreams, including her 16 laws of success, which cover everything you need to become the woman you want to be. Whether you're college-educated or street smart, just starting out or at the top of your game, Fabulosity has something to say to you. Learn how to cultivate Power, Independence, Confidence, and Positivity in everything you do, whether it's finding Mr. Right, snagging that corner office, or rocking the latest fashion trend. Packed with useful lessons and Kimora's personal tips, this book will be your instruction manual to empowering yourself, turning your individual talents into permanent success, and unleashing your inner fabul
Is there any hope for peace in the world? Or is terror our destiny? In our post-9/11 world, Westerners in generalâ and Christians in particularâ remain targets of Islamic terrorism. From the White House to 10 Downing Street, radical groups like the Muslim Brotherhood are appeased and allowed to operate freely in the West. In a world that cries out for peace, which will prevailâ Jesus or Jihad? Bible-believing Christians wonder: What does Islamic extremism mean in terms of Bible prophecy? Do todayâ s turbulent events have prophetic significance? In Jesus, Jihad and Peace, Dr. Michael Youssef provides answers that are concise and biblically accurate, explaining how trends within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam fit into prophetic history. You will be filled with hope as you see God displaying His character and purpose through current global events.
"What Is a Classic?" revisits the famous question posed by critics from Sainte-Beuve and T.S. Eliot to J.M. Coetzee to ask how classics emanate from postcolonial histories and societies. Exploring definitive trends in twentieth- and twenty-first century English and Anglophone literature, Mukherjee demonstrates the relevance of the question of the classic for the global politics of identifying and perpetuating so-called core texts. Emergent canons are scrutinized in the context of the wider cultural phenomena of book prizes, the translation and distribution of world literatures, and multimedia adaptations of world classics. Throughout, Mukherjee attunes traditional literary critical concerns to the value contestations mobilizing postcolonial and world literature. The breadth of debates and topics she addresses, as well as the book's ambitious historical schema, which includes South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America, set this study apart from related titles on the bookshelf today.
In "Trader Vic on Commodities, " Wall Street legend Victor Sperandeo explains in simple terms how these markets operate, removes some of the mystique and uncertainty involved, and offers a proven method for capitalizing on commodity market trends-without
More than ever, Christians need to know what the Bible actually teaches about parenting, and put it into practice. Parents today seek answers from child experts, self-help books, or equally confused friends. But even the experts portray modern-day childbearing as a minefield strewn with psychological dangers and emotional hazards. "What the Bible Says About Parenting" is not a book on child psychology, nor is it proposing a new parenting method. It is simply presenting the principles of biblical parenting with as much clarity as possible. John MacArthur, a leading expert on the Bible and an experienced pastor, teacher, father, and grandfather goes into depth on such vital biblical parenting subjects as these: Four helpful principles of communication Effective methods to discipline wisely and effectively, with positive results Simple principles for identifying, changing, and developing habits in your children "I'm convinced that if Christian parents understand and apply the simple principles Scripture sets forth, they can rise above the trends of secular society and bring up their children in a way that honors Christ, in any culture and under any circumstances." â John MacArthur
Push past resistance to discover and own new business territories "Think Like a Futurist" shows how to track changes, explore questions, and engage in new thinking that connects today's pressures with tomorrow's realities. Cecily Sommers shows how to apply long-term focus and strategies to needs as diverse as industry forecasts, innovation challenges, leadership development, or future-proofing a brand. By understanding intersecting potentials that one day may impact your organization, you can readily spot emerging trends and market shifts, uncovering opportunities on the horizon. "Think Like a Futurist" explores such questions as: Where will new markets emerge over the next 5-10-25 years? What will be the big issues of the day? How will lifestyle, social mores, and policy adapt? And what role do we play in that future? Offers a clear framework for thinking like a futurist, and direction for how to integrate it in high-pressure corporate environments Explains how the social, economic, and environmental crises of our time spring from just four constant and predictable forces Reveals the three dramatic disruptions on the horizon that should be a part of every strategic conversation Written by Cecily Sommers the Founder and President of The Push Institute, a non-profit think tank that tracks significant global trends and their implications for business, government, and non-profit. Filled with tools and models for a new world, this book should be required reading for strategists and innovators across disciplines. "Refreshing. A book that does not follow today's push to be 'innovative' just to snag attention because of the current hot trending keyword. Matter of fact, Cecily Sommers' book works to get us away from simply identifying and going for a ride on the latest trend(s) in our respective industries. Quite the contrary, rather than avoid a scientific or tactical discussion of trend identification, she works to give us the ability to go beyond trends and into the futu
You're looking for a youth pastor. Again. What goes wrong? Why do youth ministries crumble? And what is the cost to students, parents, volunteers and church staff? Is a sustainable youth ministry possible, even after a youth pastor leaves? Youth ministry expert Mark DeVries knows the answer is yes, because he helps build sustainable youth ministries through his coaching service called Youth Ministry Architects. So take heart: No matter what state the youth ministry at your church is in-in need of a leader and volunteers, full of battles and stress, large or small in number-it can be built to survive and to last for the long haul. Based on his own experience and on his many conversations and interviews with churches in crisis, DeVries pinpoints problems that cause division and burnout and dispels strongly held myths. He then provides the practical tools and structures pastors and church leaders need to lay a strong foundation for your ministry so that it isn't built on a person or the latest, greatest student ministry trend. His accessible guidance helps senior pastors and search committees create a realistic job description for a youth pastor provides tips for making wise hiring decisions equips youth pastors to build a strong volunteer team offers creative solutions to help youth pastors set and keep boundaries gives a road map for navigating church politics and more Building a sustainable youth ministry is not easy, and it's not quick. But with commitment to the process, hard work and DeVries's guidance, you can put together a healthy youth ministry-one that fits your church and lasts for the long haul. Youth ministrycan last. Here's how.
Customers demystified How you can move them to buy. buy more. and keep on buying The truth about what customers really want, think, and feelThe truth about keeping current customers happy-and loyalThe truth about the newest trends and advances in consumer behavior Simply the best thinkingTHE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH This book reveals 50 bite-size, easy-to-use techniques for finding and keeping highly profitable customers "Michael Solomon's "The Truth About What Customers Want" contains great insights into consumer behavior and is a must-have tool for anyone working in a consumer-driven field. His 50 truths take the guesswork out of marketing intelligence and give insight into navigating today's technology-driven world."Tim Dunphy, Senior Marketing Manager, Consumer Insights, Black & Decker
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It was 2004 and Sean McFate had a mission in Burundi: to keep the president alive and prevent the country from spiraling into genocide without anyone knowing that the United States was involved. The United States was of course involved but only through McFate;s employer the military contractor DynCorp International. Throughout Africa Latin America and the Middle East similar scenarios are playing out daily. The United States can no longer go to war or carry out covert operations without contractors. In 2010 the Pentagon;s budget for private contractors was seven times the entire U.K. defense budget. How did this state of affairs come to be? How does the shadowy world of military contracting actually operate? And what do trends suggest about the future of war and international relations? We simply don;t know much about the structure of the industry how private military companies operate and where this industry is heading. Typically led by ex-military men such firms are by their very nature secretive. Even the US government-the entity that actually pays them-knows relatively little. In The Modern Mercenary former industry insider Sean McFate lays bare the opaque world of private military contractors explaining the economic structure of the industry and showing in detail how firms operate on the ground. As a former paratrooper and private military contractor McFate provides an unparalleled perspective into the nuts and bolts of the industry as well as a sobering prognosis for the future of war. While at present the U.S. government and U.S. firms dominate the market private military companies are emerging from other countries and warlords and militias have restyled themselves as private security companies in places like Afghanistan and Somalia. To understand how the proliferation of private forces may influence international relations McFate looks back to the European Middle Ages when mercenaries were common and contract warfare the norm. He concludes that internation
AcuRite What-to-Wear Weather Station: Digital Display Features:12- to 24-hour weather forecast with trend arrowPatented Self-Calibrating Forecasting pulls data from a sensor in your backyard to give you the most accurate forecast for your exact location20 different what-to-wear clothing recommendation iconsIndoor/outdoor temperature (F or C)Indoor humidityClock and calendar (month/day)Minimum/maximum temperature and indoor humidityTabletop or wall-mountable designIndicator for wireless sensor signal strengthWireless Outdoor Sensor Features: Sensor based forecasting dataWireless technology transmits data through walls and from a distanceIntegrated hanger for easy mountingDurable, weather-resistant designWireless signal LED indicatorStrong signal penetration (enhanced 433MHz)
