Search results for ""spark""

Jolt! Provides the burst of fresh thinking needed to upgrade yourself from ordinary to extraordinaryAre your habits and limiting beliefs holding you back in your professional and personal life? Are you stuck stagnating in your comfort zone? What you need is a jolt. Organizations are no longer looking for people who turn up and do a good job; they are looking for the extraordinary. So it’s time to get motivated, be positive and make exceptional things happen. Jolt will help you recognize that in many situations it’s not a lack of skill that’s holding you back but your own limiting beliefs and habitual thinking. Deep within all of us lies an inner spark to be unleashed, if only we can find the way to shape our thinking, carve out the right action, and rock the world. Jolt will show you how to:• Shake up your thinking, embrace the new and unleash the extraordinary version of yourself• Help make a sustainable gear change• Recognize the habits and limiting beliefs holding you back• Test out new ways of thinking and doing things

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Finalist for 2010 LGBT Anthology Award from the Lambda Literary Awards Unwed teen mothers, abortion, masturbation, pornography, gay marriage, sex trafficking, homosexuality, and HIV are just a few in a long line of issues that have erupted into panics. These sexual panics spark moral crusades and campaigns, defining and shaping how we think about sexual and reproductive rights. The essays in Moral Panics, Sex Panics focus on case studies ranging from sex education to AIDS to race and the "down low," to illustrate how sexuality is at the heart of many political controversies. The contributors also reveal how moral and sexual panics have become a mainstay of certain kinds of conservative efforts to win elections and gain power in moral, social, and political arenas. Moral Panics, Sex Panics provides new and important insights into the role that key moral panics have played in social processes, arguing forcefully against the political abuse of sex panics and for the need to defend full sexual and reproductive rights. Contributors: Cathy J. Cohen, Diane DiMauro, Gary W. Dowsett, Janice M. Irvine, Carole Joffe, and Saskia Eleonora Wieringa.

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“If the moral issues raised by the Sioux people in the federal courtroom that cold month of December 1974 spark a recognition among the readers of a common destiny of humanity over and above the rules and regulations, the codes and statutes, and the power of the establishment to enforce its will, then the sacrifice of the Sioux people will not have been in vain.”—Vine Deloria Jr.The Great Sioux Nation: Sitting in Judgment on America is the story of the Sioux Nation’s fight to regain its land and sovereignty, highlighting the events of 1973–74, including the protest at Wounded Knee. It features pieces by some of the most prominent scholars and Indian activists of the twentieth century, including Vine Deloria Jr., Simon Ortiz, Dennis Banks, Father Peter J. Powell, Russell Means, Raymond DeMallie, and Henry Crow Dog. It also features primary documents and firsthand accounts of the activists’ work and of the trial. New to this Bison Books edition is a foreword by Philip J. Deloria and an introduction by Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz.

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Behind every pronunciamiento, a formal list of grievances designed to spark political change in nineteenth-century Mexico, was a disgruntled individual, rebel, or pronunciado. Initially a role undertaken by soldiers, a pronunciado rallied military communities to petition for local, regional, and even national interests. As the popularity of these petitions grew, however, they evolved from a military-led practice to one endorsed and engaged by civilians, priests, indigenous communities, and politicians. The second in a series of books exploring the phenomenon of the pronunciamiento, this volume examines case studies of individual and collective pronunciados in regions across Mexico. Top scholars examine the motivations of individual pronunciados and the reasons they succeeded or failed; why garrisons, town councils, and communities adopted the pronunciamiento as a political tool and form of representation and used it to address local and national grievances; and whether institutions upheld corporate aims in endorsing, supporting, or launching pronunciamientos. The essays provide a better understanding of the rebel leaders behind these public acts of defiance and reveal how an insurrectionary repertoire became part of a national political culture.

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We Interrupt This Program tells the story of how Indigenous people are using media tactics in the realms of art, film, television, and journalism to rewrite Canada’s national narratives from Indigenous perspectives.Miranda Brady and John Kelly showcase the diversity of these interventions by offering personal accounts and reflections on key moments – witnessing survivor testimonies at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, attending the opening night of the ImagineNative Film + Media Festival, and discussing representations of Indigenous people with artists such as Kent Monkman and Dana Claxton and with CBC journalist Duncan McCue. These scene-setting moments bring to life their argument that media tactics, as articulations of Indigenous sovereignty, have the power not only to effect change from within Canadian institutions and through established mediums but also to spark new forms of political and cultural expression in Indigenous communities and among Indigenous youth.Theoretically sophisticated and eminently readable, We Interrupt This Program reveals how seemingly unrelated acts by Indigenous activists across Canada are decolonizing our cultural institutions from within, one intervention at a time.

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The perfect book for young readers looking to explore some of life's biggest questions.Thousands of years ago, ancient philosophers asked some important questions: "What is real?", "What is the point of my existence?", "Why is there evil in the world?", and "What can I know?" These questions have gone on to spark passionate debates about our existence and how we understand the world around us. In this engaging and accessible introduction to philosophy, readers aged 11+ will be introduced to a variety of philosophical ideas through the teachings of Plato, Confucius, Simone de Beauvoir, and many more.Vibrant, reader-friendly illustrations bring the history of ideas and thinking to life, and provide topics for reflection and debate. With biographies of the most influential philosophers from around the world, young readers will explore the questions that have been fundamental to the development of scientific study, logical thinking, religious beliefs, freedom in society, and much more. Thought experiments peppered throughout will help to connect readers with the theories presented so they can apply them to their own lives.

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Earth is not well. The promise of starting life anew somewhere far, far away - no climate change, no war, no Twitter - beckons, and settling the stars finally seems within our grasp. Or is it? Bestselling authors Kelly and Zach Weinersmith set out to write the essential guide to a glorious future of space settlements, but after years of original research, and interviews with leading space scientists, engineers and legal experts, they aren''t so sure it''s a good idea. Space tech and space business are progressing fast, but we lack the deep knowledge needed to have space-kids, build space-farms and create space nations in a way that doesn''t spark conflict back home. In a world hurtling toward human expansion into space, A City on Mars investigates whether the dream of new worlds won''t create a nightmare, both for settlers and the people they leave behind.With deep expertise, a winning sense of humour and art from the beloved creator of Saturday Morning Breakfast C

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London has the greatest literary tradition of any city in the world. Its roll-call of story-tellers includes cultural giants who changed the way the world thought about writing, like Shakespeare, Defoe and Dickens. But there has also been an innumerable host of writers who have sought to capture the essence of London and what it meant for the people who lived there or were merely passing through. They found a city of boundless wealth and ragged squalor, of moving tragedy and riotous joy; and they faithfully transcribed what they saw and felt in the stories they told of London town. They are stories of fact and fiction and occasionally something in between. Some voices will be familiar to many readers and others practically unknown. But all give us insights into these writers’ very varied Londons; and all tell their stories gratifyingly well.Authors include John Evelyn, Thomas de Quincey, W. M. Thackeray, Henry Mayhew, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, George Gissing, J. B. Priestley, Jean Rhys, Graham Greene, Muriel Spark, Maeve Binchy, Doris Lessing, Hanif Kureishi and Shena Mackay.

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''Her work merits comparison with that of Edna O''Brien or Muriel Spark'' New York TimesStretching from war-torn 1940''s Liverpool to Oxford at the end of the century, this story explores the emotional landscape of the time and the impact tiny moments of betrayal can have on our relationships in the years that follow. Malcolm has held on to a secret for more than fifty years: a letter his sister Sophy gave him just before she died. He had promised to give it to the young doctor she met one night during the Liverpool Blitz: a night that altered the course of her life.But the letter was never delivered. Now, after so many years of uncertainty, Malcolm has decided to share Sophy''s secret with her daughter Agnes. It is the day of Agnes''s daughter''s wedding party. The ghosts of Agnes''s past and all the powerful emotions of the family reunion wrap around her thoughts. Until she is distracted by a hand on her arm as her uncle Mal

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The inheritance of a lifetime... with a catchWhen Sophie’s uncle leaves her a castle in the Italian Riviera in his will, she can’t believe her luck. The catch? She and her estranged sister, Rachel, must live there together for three months in order to inherit it.Having worked in Rome for four years, Sophie’s excited to revisit to Italy, even if it reignites memories of a cheating ex who soon learns of her return and wants to rekindle their spark. Sophie realises that distance does indeed make the heart grow fonder – but for her friend back home, Chris, who she discovers is more to her than just a friend. With the clock ticking, can Sophie and Rachel stick it out and heal old wounds, or are the sisters destined to go their separate ways at the end of the three months? And does Chris feel the same way about Sophie as she does for him?A beautiful story of romance and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Alex Brown and Lucy Coleman.

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A fun and colorful introduction to the Ojibwe language through natureIt’s a Mitig! guides young readers through the forest and introduces them to Ojibwe words that describe the natural world. Featuring vibrant and playful artwork, an illustrated Ojibwe-to-English glossary and a simple introduction to the double-vowel pronunciation system, plus accompanying online recordings, It’s a Mitig! is one of the first books of its kind. From sunup to sundown, encounter an amik playing with sticks and swimming in the river, a prickly gaag hiding in the bushes and a big, bark-covered mitig. Using rhyme to help readers predict the Ojibwe pronunciation, It’s a Mitig! makes learning new words fun.Anishinaabe author-illustrator Bridget George created this unique book for young children and their families with the heartfelt desire to spark a lifelong interest in learning language. Whether connecting with one’s Ojibwe ancestry or simply opening children’s eyes and ears to the cornucopia of North American dialects, It’s a Mitig! is a useful tool for exploring language.

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Jane Ashford brings you straight to the English countryside in her newest Regency romance. Perfect for readers of Mary Balogh, Ella Quinn, and fans of Bridgerton, this historical romance features: A young woman trying to do the right thing An earl's son whose clumsiness is their downfall A scandal that turns the haute ton upside down The undeniable spark that transforms a blunder into a tender connectionSarah Moran's attempt to save Kenver Pendrennon-the heir of an earl-as he slips off the Cornwall cliffs sends them both into each other's arms and into the sea. Now, marriage may be the only option to keep a scandal at bay. But what started as a terrible mistake may be exactly what both of them needs...Praise for Jane Ashford:"[A]n irresistibly sweet literary confection"-Booklist for Earl to the Rescue"A comic delight. Highly recommended to Regency lovers."-Historical Novel Society for Lord Sebastian's Secret"Graced with lively wit, excellent period detail, and appealing protagonists."-Library Journal for Heir to the Duke

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The new edition of the Great Writing series provides clear explanations, extensive models of academic writing and practice to help learners write great sentences, paragraphs, and essays. With expanded vocabulary instruction, sentence-level practice, and National Geographic content to spark ideas, students have the tools they need to become confident writers. Updated in this Edition: Clearly organized units offer the practice students need to become effective independent writers. Each unit includes: Part 1: Elements of Great Writing teaches the fundamentals of organized writing, accurate grammar, and precise mechanics. Part 2: Building Better Vocabulary provides practice with carefully-selected, level-appropriate academic words. Part 3: Building Better Sentences helps writers develop longer and more complex sentences. Part 4: Writing activities allow students to apply what they have learned by guiding them through writing, editing, and revising. Part 5: New Test Prep section gives a test-taking tip and timed task to prepare for high-stakes standardized tests, including IELTs and TOEFL. The new guided online writing activity takes students through the entire writing process with clear models for reference each step of the way.

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The Wild Things clothing brand is back with more sewing projects to make for your children.Following on from prolific sewer Kirsty Hartley's WILD THINGS FUNKY LITTLE CLOTHES TO SEW, this second book will offer over 40 more projects for your child. The Wild Things Funky Little Dresses clothing range brings exciting and mythical clothing to your child's wardrobe; now you can make your own everyday play clothes and accessories to bring to life. WILD THINGS TO MAKE will inspire makers of all abilities to create something exciting for their children that they will really want to wear. Drawing on simple shape and whimsical imagery, the step-by-step projects include dresses, hats, jackets and dungarees, as well as some simple accessories and keepsake gifts with a little heart and soul. With themes from enchanted woodland to summer essentials for beginners, and outfits including a robin pinafore, mermaid sundress, shark dungarees and fun accessories like your child's very own puppet theatre or teepee, this book adds a spark of adventure to everyday clothes and playtime fun.

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The Perfect Passion Dating Company at No. 24 Mouse Lane in Edinburgh's New Town is run by Katie Donald who has an innate instinct for bringing people together. She has developed a skill for finding out what it is that people really want. Along the way, Katie learns profound lessons about her own desires as she works at better understanding others. Although Katie has little in the way of direct experience, with the help of her amiable and handsome office neighbour William Kidd, she soon finds herself making matches for the lonely hearts tired of meeting online – and who want a more personal touch. For fans of Alexander McCall Smith's many beloved series and romantic standalone novels, The Perfect Passion Company shows him at his most perceptive, playful, and generous. In the way that only McCall Smith can, this novel offers a glimpse inside the psychology of matchmaking, the search for love and companionship, and the mysterious spark of attraction that can, at times, catch hold of us all.

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Lina''s trendy bakery in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is proving to be less than lucrative and she must come up with a plan to save it. When she stumbles upon an Italian Goddess cookbook, she can''t help but think she''s found the answer to her problem - even if it means invoking a goddess to save her business. Soon enough, Lina finds herself face-to-face with Demeter, who has a plan of her own. She proposes that Lina exchange souls with Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, who will breathe new life into the bakery. In return, Lina must set order to the Underworld.Before all this, Lina''s problems mostly involved dough and second dates. Now that she embodies the enchantingly beautiful Persephone, Lina has weightier things on her mind - like the formidable task of bringing Spring to a world of spirits. But when the handsome, brooding Hades kindles a spark in her heart, Lina wonders if this Lord of the Underworld might be the man of her dreams...

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What distinguishes history as a discipline from other fields of study? That's the animating question of Sarah Maza's Thinking About History, a general introduction to the field of history that revels in its eclecticism and highlights the inherent tensions and controversies that shape it. Designed for the classroom, Thinking About History is organized around big questions: Whose history do we write, and how does that affect what stories get told and how they are told? How did we come to view the nation as the inevitable context for history, and what happens when we move outside those boundaries? What is the relation among popular, academic, and public history, and how should we evaluate sources? What is the difference between description and interpretation, and how do we balance them? Maza provides choice examples in place of definitive answers, and the result is a book that will spark classroom discussion and offer students a view of history as a vibrant, ever-changing field of inquiry that is thoroughly relevant to our daily lives.

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Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.Add some SPARK to your study of ELECTRICITYHaving trouble understanding the fundamentals of electricity? Problem solved! Electricity Demystified, Second Edition, makes it shockingly easy to learn the basic concepts.Written in a step-by-step format, this practical guide begins by covering direct current (DC), voltage, resistance, circuits, cells, and batteries. The book goes on to discuss alternating current (AC), power supplies, wire, and cable. Magnetism and electromagnetic effects are also addressed. Detailed examples and concise explanations make it easy to understand the material. End-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce key concepts.It's a no-brainer! You'll learn about: Ohm's Law, power, and energy Kirchhoff's Laws Electrochemical energy Electricity in the home Protecting electronic equipment Electromagnetic interference Practical magnetism Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Electricity Demystified, Second Edition, powers up your understanding of this essential subject.

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HBO’s hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin’s internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age. A FEAST FOR CROWS is the fourth volume in the series. ‘When the writing is this good, it’s worth the wait’ Entertainment Weekly The Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne. The war in the Seven Kingdoms has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life. The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell seek vengeance for their dead. Euron Crow’s Eye, as black a pirate as ever raised a sail, returns from the smoking ruins of Valyria to claim the Iron Isles. From the icy north, where Others threaten the Wall, apprentice Maester Samwell Tarly brings a mysterious babe in arms to the Citadel. As plots, intrigue and battle threaten to engulf Westeros, victory will go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel and the coldest hearts.

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The book is the fruit of hands-on experience gained in the workshop as well as knowledge gleaned over years of consulting books, manufacturers' manuals and specialist magazines by one of the leading technical journalists in the sector, Massimo Clarke. It is intended as an easy-to-read guide with clear, precise contents regarding the restoration of classic bikes, with attention being focussed not on pre-war models but those from the Sixties and Seventies, those on which we still work most frequently today. All aspects of restoration are dealt with special reference to mechanical work on the engines and the chassis components, those which enthusiasts can do themselves in their own garages, using tools that are easy to find at reasonable costs. The book is enhanced by an in-depth examination of the reassembly of the crankcase and two chapters dedicated to the final drive and the spark plugs. A guide of fundamental importance for those who want to "get their hands dirty" around their classic bikes.

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** Selected by 8 National Newspapers as a Book of the Year ** ** The New York Times Bestseller ** ‘A page-turner that succeeds both at character and ideas’ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie A warm and immersive novel about ambition, power, women, friendship and finding your place in the world, from the bestselling author of The Wife and The Interestings. Greer Kadetsky is a shy college student when she meets the person who will change her life.Faith Frank, an influential and glamorous figure from the women’s movement, inhabits a very different world to Greer’s. But after a chance encounter Faith singles Greer out and invites her into her life, leading her down a thrilling path as it winds towards and away from her meant-to-be love story with high school sweetheart Cory and the future she had always imagined. Expansive and wise, compassionate and witty, The Female Persuasion is about the spark we all believe is flickering inside us, waiting to be seen and fanned by the right person at the right time.

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What can an ex-crackhead teach us about waking up and transforming our lives?The answer will surprise, amuse and enlighten you.Brett Moran's life changed forever when he was on a drug deal in the prison library and stumbled across a book on meditation. What came next was a decade of personal transformation.This book contains the tried-and-tested concepts and techniques Brett used to change his life and has since used to help countless others do exactly the same. Brett will show you how to:- Separate from your negative thoughts by using meditation and mindfulness as a way of life.- Create one epic vision of your life to help you discover what you really want to achieve.- Learn how to unlock your negative patterns so you can shift beyond negative habits.- Ignite your energy so you can feel alive and learn how to activate your inner spark!Wake The F#ck Up is a manifesto for personal change, presented with humour and wisdom from one man who's been there, done that, and come out the other side shining.

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A source of inspiration for young women with strong social convictions, She Takes a Stand highlights 16 extraordinary women who have fought for human rights, civil rights, workers’ rights, reproductive/sexual rights, and world peace. Among these are many who have been imprisoned, threatened, or suffered financial hardships for pursuing their missions to change the world for the better. Included are historic heroes such as anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells and suffragist Alice Paul, along with contemporary figures such as girls-education activist Malala Yousafzai; Sampat Pal Devi, who fights violence against Indian women; and SPARK executive director Dana Edell, who works to end the sexualization of women and girls in the media. Taking a multicultural, multinational perspective, She Takes a Stand spotlights brave women around the world with an emphasis on childhood details, motivations, and life turning points—in many cases gleaned from the author’s original interviews—and includes related sidebars, a bibliography, source notes, and a list of organizations young women can explore to get involved in changing their world.

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Ignite your creativity with fiery Fiammetta. This sensuous Baroque-inspired cover comes from a 1725 binding of The Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio, a masterpiece of Italian literature.Giovanni Boccaccio (1313–1375) was an Italian writer and poet who helped lay the foundations of Renaissance humanism. His defining work, The Decameron, is a collection of novellas, each narrated by one of ten main characters who find shelter from the Black Death in a secluded villa just outside Florence in 1348. There are tales of witty practical jokes, lustful romantic entanglements and tragic, real-life consequences. With its scope from humour to tragedy and its vivid narrative structure, The Decameron remains an affirmation of humanity and moral values even when read today.This 18th-century binding of The Decameron is now held at the Musée Condé in Chantilly, France. With golden flowers and arabesques bursting forth from a rich, red background, our Fiammetta design, named for one of the book’s main characters, is sure to spark your imagination and let your passions flow.

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'Firefighters are a unique breed. It takes a certain kind of individual to enter a burning building to rescue someone they have never met before.' A third-generation firefighter, Leigh Hosy-Pickett has seen it all in his twenty-five years in the job. He's battled infernos and pulled people from the wreckage of twisted metal. He's experienced pain and trauma in the discharge of his duty, and been supported by the laughter and strength of character you find within every fire station. A family away from home, firefighters share intimate trust and healthy mutual banter - a spark of light often desperately needed amongst the darkness. Leigh shares his deeply personal story and the funniest, most eye-opening and moving experiences from a life lived amongst the smoke. A celebration of the everyday heroism of our Fire Service, Up In Smoke is a clear-eyed and honest record of the many sacrifices made for us all in the line of duty. 'A real insight into the commitment of our firefighters' Nick Knowles 'Highly inspiring and impossible to put down' Nazir Afzal OBE

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Be the change that lights the learning fire. Facing a classroom of attentive, focused, and ready-to-learn students is a teacher’s dream. Nevertheless, this is not always the reality, and pulling students along when they don’t seem interested is frustrating. Too often, a teacher’s daily experience does not align with the dream. This book is here to show how you, as a classroom teacher, can generate enthusiasm, confidence, and joy in your students. You can affect motivation and make a difference in their lives. Delve into the what, why, and how by reflecting on your own experiences and unpacking multiple factors that affect motivation. Then, learn how to spark motivation using practical, research-informed strategies that address how to Hone student grouping, rewards, technology, and competition for positive impact Confront and disarm testing conflicts to make assessments a pleasant student experience Examine and empower teacher–student relationships Rethink rules and procedures to improve behavioral outcomes Read this book and you’ll come away prepared to implement strategies that rekindle a love for learning.

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The living world is beautiful, intricate, and highly ordered. Organisms flourish across virtually every location on earth, and biological scientists are constantly discovering more about them. These findings spark awe in those who study the natural world, and also raise questions about the meaning of what we see: What’s so special about life? Why are we here? Where is it all heading? Based on the thoughts of six scientists of faith, the work of the theologian Alister McGrath, and the biblical scholar Hilary Marlow, Dr Ruth M. Bancewicz examines their research to assess the claim that the discoveries of science are consistent with the existence of a God. Wonders of the Living World for adults (16+) will inspire curiosity and amazement, and prove a fascinating guide to your thinking about the meaning of life. FEATURING THE WORK OF: Prof. Stephen Freeland, Astrobiologist; Dr Rhoda Hawkins, Theoretical Physicist; Prof. Jeff Hardin, Cell and Developmental Biologist; Prof. Simon Conway Morris, Palaeobiologist; Prof. Jeff Schloss, Evolutionary Biologist; Dr Margaret Miller, Marine Biologist.

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'A fantastic tale of spies, deceit and murder in the Elizabethan age' S. D. SykesEngland in 1572 is a powder keg of rumour, fanaticism, treachery and dissent. All it would take is a single spark . . .In the England of Elizabeth I, the fear of plague and invasion, and the threat of insurrection are constant. As the Earl of Leicester's chief intelligencer, lawyer Dr Christopher Radcliff is tasked with investigating rumours of treachery at home and the papist threat from abroad. And with heresy and religious unrest simmering beneath the surface of a country on the brink, Radcliff is under pressure to get results.Then two brutal and seemingly motiveless killings point alert Radcliff to the whisper of a new plot against the queen. There are few clues, and all he and his network of agents have to go on is a single word: incendium. But what does it mean - and who lies behind it? Christopher Radcliff must find out before it's too late . . . (Please note: The Incendium Plot was first published in hardback as Incendium)

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After Buffy loses her powers, it’s up to a new Slayer to take up the mantle; are they ready?In the first arc of WILLOWVERSE, trying to help Buffy heal from her trauma proves to be more than Giles and Willow bargained for! She’s left without her powers or identity, and it’s up to an unprepared and inexperienced new Slayer to take up the mantle—Willow. But thankfully Willow isn’t alone, as the spell also leads to another newly-activated Slayer, serving as a guide for this speed-run of training. But even with the threat of 4 terrifying and sometimes zany monsters, the darkest threat may be Willow herself, as she struggles to cope. Can Willow’s allies save her from herself? Writer Sarah Gailey (Eat the Rich) along with artists Michael Shelfer (Domino: Hotshots), Sonia Liao (A Spark Within the Forge), Puste (Rick and Morty Presents Morty’s Run), and Claudia Balboni (Fairlady) bring the first arc of a new Vampire Slayer! Collects The Vampire Slayer #1-4.

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Everyone deserves a Christmas treat...The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?A cosy, totally feelgood seasonal read that will have you smiling. The perfect read to snuggle up and have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this book.Readers are loving The Gingerbread Christmas Village:'If you want a feel-good romance...then Kiley Dunbar is definitely the author to turn to. A wonderful festive read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'A delightful exploration of community, multi generational friendships and love. It is full of seasonal warmth, the scent of cinnamon and the spark of Christmas lights.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'This was a beautiful festive read which really gets to the heart of Christmas...uplifting and positive and brought happiness to the reader.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'The ending was perfect... I finished the book feeling warm, cheery, hopeful, and smiling.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'A beautiful storyline, great cast of characters, and beautiful scenery. I loved every moment...Kiley's books are such a treat!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'I went into this story blind and was DELIGHTED that it featured an older heroine!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewPraise fo Kiley Dunbar's cosy, warm, festive reads:‘What an adorable, emotional, and beautiful read!!...made me believe in the Christmas magic all over again…This is certainly one of my favourite holiday reads and a book that will stick with me.’ Diary of a Book Fiend‘Wow!!...This is a must read, heartwarming Christmas story. I would easily give this book hundreds of stars.’ Little Miss Book Lover 87‘The epitome of Christmas, winter wonderlands, sleds, warm fires and the coziest of romances…If Kiley keeps writing holiday stories like this I may give up all other genres of books.’ Reading Girl Reviews‘With plenty of Christmassy feel-good vibes and cute puppies, it's a wonderful holiday romance.’ Ellesea Loves Reading‘Full of festive feeling, fabulous characters, friends, family, and snow…I just loved every second of this book.’ Rachel’s Random Reads‘There's many types of Christmas books. But the best ones? Those are the ones that leave you feeling things...Kiley Dunbar managed to make me fall in love with her characters and left me with actual tears in my eyes.’ Walking Through The Pages'It's so festive and wintery and simply gorgeous!...The characters were enjoyable to get to know and I loved the location.’ The Cosiest Corner

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Chris Bellows is just trying to get through high school and survive being the only stepchild in the social-climbing Fontaine family, whose recently diminished fortune hasn’t dimmed their desire to mingle with Upper East Side society. Chris sometimes feels more like a maid than part of the family. But when Chris’s stepsister Kimberly begins dating golden boy J. J. Kennerly, heir to a political dynasty, everything changes. Because Chris and J. J. fall in love . . . with each other.With the help of a new friend, Coco Chanel Jones, Chris learns to be comfortable in his own skin, let himself fall in love and be loved, and discovers that maybe he was wrong about his step-family all along. All it takes is one fairy godmother dressed as Diana Ross to change the course of his life.My Fairy Godmother is a Drag Queen is a Cinderella retelling for the modern reader. The novel expertly balances issues like sexuality, family and financial troubles, and self-discovery with more lighthearted moments like how one rogue shoe can launch a secret, whirlwind romance and a chance meeting with a drag queen can spark magic and light in a once dark reality.

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When the dust settles in this Texas town, who will be left standing?It’s been six weeks since Jack McBride’s life went to hell: the resolution of his first case as chief sparked a countywide drug war, his brother Eddie rode into town with a pocket full of cocaine and trouble on his mind, his estranged wife returned from her one-year sabbatical determined to win him back, and Ellie Martin ended their brief affair.To the Stillwater natives, the increase in local crime can be traced directly back to the day the outsider McBride took the job, and they’re gunning to get rid of him. One particular group is led by Joe Doyle, a successful local businessman who’s running for city council against Ellie and her plan to revitalize downtown. Now Jack has discovered proof Doyle is the biggest crime lord in the county, and, with murders piling up and the drug war intensifying, Jack suspects the crimes aren’t business, but personal—and he’s the target.The bitter election and Jack’s investigation spark old rivalries and new jealousies, making Ellie and those who love Stillwater most wonder if it’s even worth saving.

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A hip, accessible, and practical guide for artists and creative people looking to tarot for guidance and inspiration in the tradition of The Secret Language of Birthdaysand Steal Like an Artist. What if the path to creativity was not as challenging as everyone thinks? What if you could find that spark, plot twist, or next project by simply looking at your life and your art through a different lens? Written for novices and seasoned readers alike, The Creative Tarotis a unique guidebook that reimagines tarot cards and the ways they can boost the creative process. Jessa Crispin guides you through the intuitive world of the tarot to get those creative juices flowing again. Thought to be esoteric and mystical, tarot cards are approachable and endlessly helpful to overcoming creative blocks. Crispin offers spiritual readings of the cards, practical information for the uninspired artist, and a wealth of fascinating anecdotes about famous artists including Virginia Woolf, Rembrandt, and David Bowie, and how they found inspiration. With five original tarot spreads and beautiful illustrations throughout, The Creative Tarotis an accessible, colourful guide that demystifies both the tarot and the creative process.

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Who will we meet on the farm today? Have fun spotting clues to the delightful animals, then find them hiding under peek-through flaps. Toddlers will love exploring the farm through the day and in different seasons, and learning about the adult and baby animals in this beautifully illustrated, read-aloud board book. The intriguing cover has a cutaway sun to feel, and inside, there are adorable farm animals under large flaps with peek-through holes, plus lots more exciting things to spot around the farm, from a chicken coop and a big-wheeled tractor to a scarecrow and cute bunny rabbits.The playful, rhyming text encourages little ones to guess who’s hiding. And when they lift the big flaps, they find cows in the milking shed, goats and kids playing in their pen, pigs and piglets ready for lunch, geese and goslings at the pond, fluffy llamas in the field, and more!Flip Flap Find! Farm is a captivating picture book to share. A perfect gift for little animal lovers, it will spark a toddler’s curiosity, stimulate their imagination, language, and literacy, and build their knowledge of the natural world.

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An IndieBound BestsellerFalling in love just got sweeter in this charming, romantic YA graphic novel from WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform. Ray, a young seer struggling with her powers, discovers first love and friendship in her town's magic bakery.In a very special town, there’s an even more unusual bakery with a selection of baked treats hand-crafted to help your dreams come true. For Ray, a quiet young woman with special powers of her own, the order is always the same: a hot tea with a delicious side of romance.When Ray meets Laurie, the kind barista who aspires to be a professional musician, she gets a real taste of love for the first time. But even with a spark of magic, romance isn’t so simple. Both Ray and Laurie are chasing their own dreams and even when Ray starts to see the future, she can’t predict her fate with Laurie.Based on the beloved webcomic from WEBTOON, this sweet coming-of-age story of friendship and first love comes to life in graphic novel format with gorgeous illustrations and exclusive content.

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When a thick fog rolls in, an irresistible little puffin is lost in unfamiliar territory. When the Fog Rolls In is an exceptional picture book about navigating uncertainty, opening your mind, and finding your way back to your flock.On a clear day, it’s easy to see your way. But when the fog rolls in, it’s hard to know which way to go. Sometimes the only way to escape the fog is to go through it, knowing that the big, bright world is waiting for you on the other side.With a sensitive, layered text and atmospheric, lush illustrations, author-artist Pam Fong has crafted a tenderhearted story about a lost puffin finding its way through foggy circumstances. This expressive picture book will help readers—and their parents—talk about feeling lost, making decisions, and broadening their perspectives. As in the acclaimed A Spark in the Dark, Pam Fong’s When the Fog Rolls In masterfully tackles nuanced emotions in a way that’s accessible for young children. When the Fog Rolls In is an excellent choice for social and emotional learning for readers of Cori Doerrfeld’s The Rabbit Listened and Dan Santat’s After the Fall.

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Three Dark Crowns is a heart-stopping fantasy from Kendare Blake, acclaimed author of Anna Dressed in Blood.In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomach-ache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of beasts.But becoming the Queen Crowned isn't solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it's not just a game of win or lose . . . it's life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.The last queen standing gets the crown.Three Dark Crowns is the first book in the bestselling Three Dark Crowns series. Discover more about the three queens and continue the thrilling quartet with One Dark Throne and Two Dark Reigns.

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Matt Osborne had always planned to get married and have a family. But at thirty-four, he's no closer to his goal, so he's decided to embrace his role as the remaining member of the Bachelor Brotherhood. He's only loved one woman-his college sweetheart-but she never shared his dream of a family, preferring to focus on her career and maybe get married someday. With neither budged on their decisions, they agreed it was best to part ways. Now nearly twelve years later, Matt is stunned when Anna shows up at his nephew's soccer practice-with her five-year-old son in tow.Single mother Anna Field has returned home to care for her widowed and ill father. She never thought she'd run into Matt during the six months she's there, but now he's the coach of her son's soccer team. She'd move Toby to a different team, but his new best friend happens to be Matt's nephew, Ethan. As Anna and Matt spend more time together, the realize that their attraction-and love-are still there, just waiting for a spark to reignite. And once it's lit, Matt has no plans to let her go again.

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State-of-the-art techniques and tools needed to facilitate effective credit portfolio management and robust quantitative credit analysis Filled with in-depth insights and expert advice, Active Credit Portfolio Management in Practice serves as a comprehensive introduction to both the theory and real-world practice of credit portfolio management. The authors have written a text that is technical enough both in terms of background and implementation to cover what practitioners and researchers need for actually applying these types of risk management tools in large organizations but which at the same time, avoids technical proofs in favor of real applications. Throughout this book, readers will be introduced to the theoretical foundations of this discipline, and learn about structural, reduced-form, and econometric models successfully used in the market today. The book is full of hands-on examples and anecdotes. Theory is illustrated with practical application. The authors' Website provides additional software tools in the form of Excel spreadsheets, Matlab code and S-Plus code. Each section of the book concludes with review questions designed to spark further discussion and reflection on the concepts presented.

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Human-induced climate change is emerging as one of the gravest threats to biodiversity in history, and while a vast amount of literature on the ecological impact of climate change exists, very little has been dedicated to the management of wildlife populations and communities in the wake of unprecedented habitat changes. "Wildlife Conservation in a Changing Climate" is an essential resource, bringing together leaders in the fields of climate change ecology, wildlife population dynamics, and environmental policy to examine the impacts of climate change on populations of terrestrial vertebrates. Chapters assess the details of climate change ecology, including demographic implications for individual populations, evolutionary responses, impacts on movement patterns, alterations of species interactions, and predicting impacts across regions. The contributors also present a number of strategies by which conservationists and wildlife managers can counter or mitigate the impacts of climate change as well as increase the resilience of wildlife populations to such changes. A seminal contribution to the fields of ecology and conservation biology, "Wildlife Conservation in a Changing Climate" will serve as the spark that ignites a new direction of discussions about and action on the ecology and conservation of wildlife in a changing climate.

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Henry Brandt (1921–1998) was a legendary figure in Swiss postwar film-making, a photographer and a pioneer of the “nouveau cinéma suisse.” His second film Les Nomades du soleil, an ethnographic documentary shot in 1953–54 about a nomadic people in Niger, earned him international renown. At the 1964 Swiss national exhibition Expo 64 in Lausanne, Brandt left his mark on the memory of an entire generation: his five short films La Suisse s’interroge questioned the countries affluent Swiss society in a hitherto unknown form and were the initial spark for the sociologically incisive film-making in francophone Switzerland that later gave rise to masterpieces by Alain Tanner and Claude Goretta. This first monograph on Henry Brandt spans the entire oeuvre of this versatile cinematographer, which includes numerous documentaries, photo reportages, and TV productions. The essays investigate Brandt’s works and provide insights into his efforts to combine the description of the local with the exploration of the distant. The book highlights that Henry Brandt’s commissioned work as well as his own independent productions are critical testimonies to global inequality and thus more relevant today than ever. Text in French.

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Explore the full potential of your Cricut machine! Digital die-cutting machines are the ultimate creative tool for crafters, but beginners sometimes don’t know where to start. This book provides a simple, down-to-earth guide to using your machine, including Cricut and Sizzix, and shows you how to make 37 amazing projects. This first book in the new Cut & Craft series introduces you to the basics – including the tools and accessories you need and a quick guide to using the software. The step-by-step projects offer an exciting array of ideas and designs that will really spark your imagination, and all come with clear instructions and photos, plus over 70 free downloadable SVG files. Learn how to make gorgeous paper flowers, intricate papercuts, journal embellishments, engraved jewellery and etched glassware. Explore different materials including paper, fabric, acetate and vinyl, and personalize your creations to make unique gifts and themed accessories for weddings, birthdays, Christmas, baby showers and more. If you have just bought your first digital die-cutter or already own one and are looking for fresh ideas and new techniques, then this is the book for you!

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When it comes to viewing art, living in the information age is not necessarily a benefit. So argues Michael Findlay in this book that encourages a new way of looking at art. Much of this thinking involves stripping away what we have been taught and instead trusting our own instincts, opinions, and reactions. Including reproductions of works by Mark Rothko, Paul Klee, Joan Miro , Jacob Lawrence, and other modern and contemporary masters, this book takes readers on a journey through modern art. Chapters such as "What Is a Work of Art?" "Can We Look and See at the Same Time?" and "Real Connoisseurs Are Not Snobs," not only give readers the confidence to form their own opinions, but also encourages them to make connections that spark curiosity, intellect, and imagination. "The most important thing for us to grasp," writes Findlay, "is that the essence of a great work of art is inert until it is seen. Our engagement with the work of art liberates its essence." After reading this book, even the most intimidated art viewer will enter a museum or gallery feeling more confident and leave it feeling enriched and inspired.

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Where along the Rhine does the Nibelung Treasure lie? What river helps mark the prime meridian? Why do people make pilgrimages to the Indian city of Benares? Why is the Mekong called the “Nine Dragon” river in Vietnam? How does the Mississippi divide and unite the United States? These and hundreds of other facts are explored in this wonderfully illustrated atlas of the world’s great rivers. Each spread in this book, which includes a gorgeous gatefold page, offers a colorful map packed with drawings, figures, and facts. Cities that border the rivers are highlighted, as are distinct flora and fauna, significant natural and human- made features, and fascinating historical details. A “biography” of each river describes where it flows, and its importance to the communities it passes through. Special attention is given to the ecological health of the rivers—those that are thriving and those in danger of losing their valuable habitats. Along the way, young readers will come to understand the enormous impact that rivers have on our lives, while learning valuable information in a way that will spark their curiosity and imagination.

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See that tall, skinny kid with the ball in his hand sayin see ya later to his mate? That’s me: Nathan Wilder Nate. 10 years old and a week away from the end of Year 5. Life can be tough in your last year of primary school. Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS is at his side - they’ve been inseparable since Nursery. But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, Nate's world turns upside-down. As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan is rushed into hospital. His new teacher, Mr Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to process what’s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough? A powerful and lyrical story about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it.

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Take an exciting journey through the year with this weekly planner inspired by national parks. This unique planner invites you on an illuminated planning and scheduling experience, whether for work, school, or your daily life, from July 2023 through December 2024. Thoughtfully composed to guide you through 18 months led by exciting excursions and facts based on your favorite national parks, this planner is designed for adventurers, bucket listers, and nature lovers alike. This planner features: Stunning full-page artistic interpretations of the parks to inspire introspection and perception. Weekly quotes to inform your week and spark spiritual nourishment. 18 full-month calendar spreads, from July 2023 through December 2024. 72 weeks with plenty of space to write. Convenient size ideal for carrying in a book bag, briefcase, or purse. Elastic band closure to help secure your planner or mark your place inside. This planner is great for personal use, but also makes an illuminating gift that’s perfect for nature lovers of all ages, students, people with busy work schedules, or your industrious friends and family. Amplify your productivity and revitalize your spirit with National Parks 2024 Weekly Planner.

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From New York Times bestseller and Hugo Award-winner John Scalzi, The Android’s Dream is a wild-and-woolly caper novel of interstellar diplomacy.‘The Android’s Dream is just the right gene-splicing of fast action and furious comedy SF has been needing for ages’ – SFF180When a human kills an alien during diplomatic negotiations, the fall-out is astronomical. To prevent interstellar war, humanity must deliver an extremely rare sheep for the aliens’ coronation ceremony – or face enslavement. So Earth’s government turns to Harry Creek: ex-cop, war hero and hacker extraordinaire.It should be a straightforward mission, but there are others who covet the priceless animal. Ruthless mercenaries, a religious cult, and alien races eager to spark revolution. Harry’s mission will take him across the galaxy, as he tries to pull off the grand diplomatic coup of the century. There’ll only be one chance to save the life of the sheep – and ensure the future of humanity.Praise for John Scalzi:‘John Scalzi is the most entertaining, accessible writer working in SF today’ – Joe Hill‘Scalzi is one of the slickest writers that SF has ever produced’ – Wall Street Journal

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This volume provides a framework for evaluating geospatial software for participatory mapping. The evaluation is based on ten key indicators: ethics, cost, technical level, inclusiveness, data accuracy, data privacy, analytical capacity, visualization capacity, openness, and accessibility (i.e., mobile friendly or offline capabilities). Each application is evaluated by a user and cross analyzed with specific case studies of the software’s real-world application. This framework does not discriminate against assessing volunteered geographic information (VGI) applications, as a form of participatory mapping, in circumstances that its application is spearheaded by underrepresented groups with the intent to empower and spark political or behavioral change within formal and informal institutions. Each chapter follows a strict template to ensure that the information within the volume can be updated periodically to match the ever-changing technological environment. The book covers ten different mapping applications with the goal of creating a comparative evaluation framework that can be easily interpreted by convening institutions and novice users. This will also help identify gaps in software for participatory mapping which will help to inform application development in the future and updates to current geospatial software.

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