The formation of states in early modern Europe has long been an important topic for historical analysis. Traditionally, the political and military struggles of kings and rulers were the favoured object of study for academic historians. This book highlights new historical research from Europe’s northern frontier, bringing ‘the people’ back into the discussion of state politics, presenting alternative views of political and social relations in the Nordic countries before industrialisation. The early modern period was a time that witnessed initiatives from people from many groups formally excluded from political influence, operating outside the structures of central government, and this book returns to the subject of contentious politics and state building from below.

Since 2016, millions of Americans have demonstrated, organized and contributed in the cause of political change. Some have been effective; most are wasting their time. While there are few clear rules of political efficacy, there are techniques of campaigning, agitating and lobbying that manifestly work better than others. Making the works of scholars and practitioners accessible to activists, what I have tried to show is how real reform is possible when we put ordinary people back into politics. More than a book of how to do it, it shows why a new politics of interpersonal engagement can help renew our democratic system. Schneier’s books are always sophisticated and readable, appealing not only to undergraduate students but also to activists and people with a general interest in politics. Here he smoothly blends the insights of academics with those of campaign professionals and politicians. Putting People Back in Politics is must reading for people concerned that the long-term future of American democracy may be determined by the 2020 election and who want to do something about it. —Ken Sherrill, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Hunter College How can we put everyday people at the center of our politics? Ned Schneier not only tells us how, but why it is crucial to counter big money to reform an increasingly dysfunctional political system. From simple but meaningful conversations with neighbors to effective get-out-the-vote efforts to mass mobilizations, Schneier packs a remarkable amount of experience, research and wisdom into a slim and highly readable book. Want to help create the world we want? Read this book now. It will help us forge viable pathways towards a desirable 21st century. A must read for anyone seeking to make a difference in 2020 and beyond! —Ron Hayduk, Professor of Political Science, San Francisco State University

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to rise effortlessly to the top, while others are stuck in the same job year after year? Have you ever felt you are falling short of your career potential? Have you wondered if some of the things you do–or don’t do–at work might be hamstringing your ambitions? In The 12 Bad Habits That Hold Good People Back, James Waldroop and Timothy Butler identify the twelve habits that–whether you are a retail clerk or a law firm partner, work in technology or in a factory–are almost guaranteed to hold you back. The fact is, most people learn their greatest lessons not from their successes but from their mistakes. The 12 Bad Habits That Hold Good People Back offers the flip side to Stephen Covey’s approach in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, zeroing in on the most common behavior that can impede a career. Based on over twenty years of research as business psychologists, the authors claim that the reasons people fail in their jobs are the same everywhere. Only after these detrimental behaviors have been identified can the patterns that limit career advancement be broken. Using real-life accounts of clients they have worked with at Harvard and as executive coaches at such companies as GTE, Sony, GE, and McKinsey & Co., Waldroop and Butler offer invaluable–and in some cases, job-saving–step-by-step advice on how readers can change their behavior to get back on track. For anyone seeking to achieve his or her career ambitions, The 12 Bad Habits That Hold Good People Back is a powerful tool for unleashing true potential.

Ideal for spiritual seekers—or anyone looking to explore the Bible for the first time. The NIV Journey Bible is uniquely designed to help you discover the practical aspects of Christianity and better understand God. Based on the REVEAL study from the Willow Creek Association, this Bible is intended for anyone in the investigative stage of their spiritual journey. The Journey Bible's exploratory approach addresses key questions you may have about the Bible and its relevance today. Notes and insights are woven throughout the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version, drawing you into the message and pointing the way toward a relationship with Jesus. Icons visually trace seven "explorer" themes throughout Scripture: Discovering God Addressing Questions Strengthening Relationships Reasons to Believe Knowing Yourself Why Jesus? Managing Resources Features: Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) Introductory articles that define key concepts involved in being a spiritually open person Book introductions that provide helpful information about each book of the Bible Indexes NIV dictionary/concordance that helps explain and find things you’re looking for “Five Alive” reading plan covering Genesis, Deuteronomy, John, Acts, and Romans

Equal Sharestells a fascinating story-the history of a group of dynamic tapestry workers who changed the economic life of their community. The authors examine a key community-based cooperative in Botswana that was launched in the early 1970s, and is hailed as a model for development and social change. With little formal education, virtually no job experience, still working their own agricultural lands, and many as single mothers, the co-op workers have maintained their business for over twenty-five years. Equal Sharesis written in different voices, and tells the story of the defining moments in the lives of the Oodi Weavers. As the workers weave their village stories into the tapestries, the book weaves a story that depicts their evolving collective experience. It's a model of community action. Inspiring reading for all those fighting to take control of their economic lives.

Metrospiritual: The Geography of Church Planting is about church planting in the city. There is an outpouring of new expressions of church being started throughout metro areas across North America. Where are these new churches being started? Maybe a more subterranean question is, "Why"? Why are churches being started where they are and why is there is a bias towards one part of the city and an overall neglect of other parts? Metrospiritual explores these questions and more as it builds off of recent research and surveys of hundreds of church planters in seven large cities in the United States and Canada. There is a deeper look at pivotal issues such as gentrification, the Creative Class, community transformation, urban renewal, and the role new churches play in all of these.

Who Ya Bagging For? I have been told to bag for the cashier, the other bagger, or the supervisor. But very rarely have I been told to bag for the guest. This seems funny to me. Now if they wanted to tell me to take over for the other employee or the guest(s), that would make sense, but the easy, lazy way to communicate seems to be the only way they know how. Youd think someone that has the skills to do this job would at least know the difference between bagging for the cashier, etc., and the guests

All civilizations have a story or myth of an Armageddon, a great war where good and evil will clash, fighting for the fate of the Universe. Some say good will triumph, others say not. In the time of Troy, three god-forged items were crafted. None of the gods who made these artifacts knew of the vital role each will play in that battle until history has molded them to its own needs. From Troy through Moses and to the Emperors of Rome, these items have been influenced by the sins and virtues of those who held them, and in return they have influenced their holders. From one hand to another they have been passed, through the generations. Only centuries after their making will their final purpose be known. No one truly knows when Armageddon is supposed to begin, but many believe it is right around the corner. They may very well be right. A time approaches where these artifacts will be sought; whether for good or evil remains to be seen. But to understand what these items are, it must be told how they came to be. Brought from Jerusalem to Samaria, the Cup is guarded by the last Daughter of Arnavon. But she has troubles of her own to worry about.