This book explores the large-scale impacts of economic restructuring in the Midwest in response to the 1980s farm crisis. Drawing upon detailed surveys from twelve north-central states, the authors offer a comprehensive view of farm restructuring and its social, economic, and political consequences. The study goes beyond the farm gate to look at the broader implications of those changes for agriculture policy, related industries, and areas still dependent upon farming, contributing to the literature on economic restructuring. Like the factory closings in the Rust Belt, the dramatic failure of agricultural industries in the Farm Belt has caused fundamental changes in the organization and control of production. The impact of job losses and economic depression and the shattering of a way of life have shaken public complacency about the stability of many fundamental American myths. Beyond the Amber Waves of Grain looks at the farm crisis not as a purely agricultural, nonurban issue but as one that adds to our understanding of the overall social impacts of economic change. The book takes up the story of Midwestern farm enterprises in the wake of the farm crisis of the 1980s. Using data drawn from detailed surveys of 3,940 farm households in twelve north-central states, the authors offer a comprehensive view of the social and economic restructuring of agriculture and explore the consequences for farm enterprises, farm households, and farming communities. The study goes beyond the farm gate to look at the broader implications for related industries and communities dependent upon farming, for agricultural and rural policies, and for farm women and men, contributing to the literature on economic restructuring and its outcomes.

**Beyond the Collapse Reimagining Survival in a Post-Apocalyptic World** Step into the hauntingly beautiful landscape of post-World War III America, where from the ashes of devastation, hidden gems of community and resilience emerge. "Beyond the Collapse" is your gateway to a comprehensive exploration of how unique communities survive and thrive against all odds in this new world order. Begin your journey with "Rebirth from Ruin," an introduction that sets the stage in a fragmented America, showcasing the essence of remarkable communities and how they redefine survival. In "The Desert Bloom," discover the awe-inspiring rebirth of the Mojave, where innovative agricultural practices and the spirit of desert artisans create a thriving, self-sufficient life amid arid wastelands. Transition into "Forest Fortresses," where the lush, secluded settlements of the Pacific Northwest demonstrate the symbiotic relationship between mankind and nature. Venture along the ravaged shores in "Coastal Reclaim" to witness the resilience of maritime communities rebuilding ports and engaging in aquaponics, breathing new life into once devastated coastlines. Experience "Urban Enclaves," detailing the ambitious resurrection of cities through vertical farming and cutting-edge technology. Journey to the Midwest with "Heartland Revival," where cooperative farming and craftsmanship empower communities, followed by "Mountain Mysteries," where high-altitude havens harness natural resources and embrace traditional practices for survival. Navigate the vital waterways in "River Renaissance," showcasing migratory lifestyles and trade networks that knit fragmented societies together. "The Great Plains Reimagined" delves into the life of nomadic tribes and renewable energy projects, while "Community Governance" explores new models of leadership, law, and conflict resolution. Witness the "Spiritual and Cultural Resurgence," highlighting the revival of ancient practices, arts, and multicultural fusion. "Education and Knowledge Preservation" defends our intellectual heritage through new world schools and storytelling traditions. Unveil community-driven healthcare systems in "Health and Healing," emphasizing natural remedies and mental health support. Finally, dive into "Economy and Trade Networks" and "The Role of Technology in Rebirth," mapping out economic resilience and innovative communication networks. "Beyond the Collapse" concludes with "The Path Forward," an inspiring blueprint for future prospects. Experience tales of unwavering hope and the lessons learned from the past that shape a resilient tomorrow. Embrace this compelling odyssey into a reborn world, and uncover the secrets of thriving beyond the collapse.

Apocalyptic voices grow louder as we enter the new Millennium, promising dire consequences for the fate of humanity, our planet and our civilization. But theirs are not the only voices around. There are voices that are equally strong and full of hope, courage and conviction. Gerard Vanderhaar's voice is not apocalyptic, but prophetic and full of passion. He proposes a new direction, one that will lead to a more workable world - that of the Nonviolent Christ. Vanderhaar shows how figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and others have taken the example of the Nonviolent Christ as their guide for living and working justly and courageously in the world. He then offers suggestions for incorporating gestures of peace and words of compassion and justice into our daily dealings at home, at work, with difficult people, and as part of the political process. He also shows how our attitudes toward money, time and people can deeply influence our effectiveness in working for a better future.

Issues to do with animal ethics remain at the heart of public debate. In Beyond Animal Rights, Tony Milligan goes beyond standard discussions of animal ethics to explore the ways in which we personally relate to other creatures through our diet, as pet owners and as beneficiaries of experimentation. The book connects with our duty to act and considers why previous discussions have failed to result in a change in the way that we live our lives. The author asks a crucial question: what sort of people do we have to become if we are to sufficiently improve the ways in which we relate to the non-human? Appealing to both consequences and character, he argues that no improvement will be sufficient if it fails to set humans on a path towards a tolerable and sustainable future. Focussing on our direct relations to the animals we connect with the book offers guidance on all the relevant issues, including veganism and vegetarianism, the organic movement, pet ownership, and animal experimentation.

Not your typical travel guide, Europe Beyond Your Means: The Paris Edition presents satirical advice for the discerning traveler who shuns the idea of prepackaged, budget-focused travel tips and instead craves permission to break from the tourist norm, discard the fanny pack, and embrace social commentary. Authors Conrad Lucas and William Norgard have created an original and amusing travel guide that lampoons other traditional, mainstream travel guides while sharing travel suggestions, witty observations, and relevant anecdotes about the endearing quirks of the French, the Parisian culture, and how to have fun in one of the worlds most celebrated cities. Youll learn how to find a great place to stay, prepare for inconveniences, dress for cultural success, avoid etiquette blunders, and develop a Parisian disposition. For those ready to abandon the preconceived notions and traditional methods of travel and seek out Paris in a unique way, Europe Beyond Your Means is the perfect companion for knowledgeable travelers who also want to laugh a little along the way.

This book contains the latest research on social and economic trends occurring in rural America. It provides a unique focus on rural demography and the interaction between population dynamics and local social and economic change. It is also the first volume on rural population that exploits data from Census 2000 The book highlights major themes transforming contemporary rural areas and each is examined with an expanded overview and case study.

Kyle Greenwood introduces readers to ancient Near Eastern cosmology and the ways in which the Bible speaks within that context. He then traces the way the Bible was read through Aristotelian and Copernican cosmologies and discusses how its ancient conceptions should be understood in light of Scripture?s authority and contemporary science.

Two sociologists reveal how small towns in Middle America are exporting their most precious resource—young people—and share what can be done to save these dwindling communities In 2001, with funding from the MacArthur Foundation, sociologists Patrick J. Carr and Maria J. Kefalas moved to Iowa to understand the rural brain drain and the exodus of young people from America’s countryside. They met and followed working-class “stayers”; ambitious and college-bound “achievers”; “seekers,” who head off to war to see what the world beyond offers; and “returners,” who eventually circle back to their hometowns. What surprised them most was that adults in the community were playing a pivotal part in the town’s decline by pushing the best and brightest young people to leave. In a timely, new afterword, Carr and Kefalas address the question “so what can be done to save our communities?” They profile the efforts of dedicated community leaders actively resisting the hollowing out of Middle America. These individuals have creatively engaged small town youth—stayers and returners, seekers and achievers—and have implemented a variety of programs to combat the rural brain drain. These stories of civic engagement will certainly inspire and encourage readers struggling to defend their communities.

Historically, the relationship between towns and surrounding farm families has ranged from suspicion to benign neglect. This book shows that rural America can be revived by uniting the interests of both farm and non-farm populations through value-added enterprises, especially those based on the principles of New Generation Cooperatives (NGCs). Instead of sending agricultural commodities out of the region to be processed, farmers and communities can collaborate to process the commodities locally, thereby adding value to the local rural economy. In this edited volume, nationally recognized scholars discuss the on-going challenges to the agricultural sector such as declining farm subsidies and commodity prices, and the strategies used by rural communities to respond to economic decline. Specific attention is paid to the role of NGCs as a specific form of value-added agriculture which has helped some rural communities to prosper. The NGCs, however, extend well beyond traditional agriculture to include grocery stores, day care centers, and other businesses that have not always been profitable in small towns. The broader objective of the book is to show how increased collaboration among farm producers, small businesses, and community leaders can promote economic development in rural regions.