Whether discussing habitat placement for the northern spotted owl or black-tailed prairie dog or strategies for controlling exotic pests, this book explains how capturing ecological relationships across a landscape with pragmatic optimization models can be applied to real world problems. Using linear programming, Hof and Bevers show how it is possible for the researcher to include many thousands of choice variables and many thousands of constraints and still be quite confident of being abl...

Tis the season when anything can happen . . . when passion sparks brightest . . . and miracles and magic can turn any heart toward love . . .The Christmas Stocking, Fern MichaelsPhiladelphia businesswoman Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors' center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has come home from California with his own ideas about saving the farm h...

This book brings together key essays that seek to make visible and expand our understanding of the role of government (policies, programs, and investments) in shaping cities and metropolitan regions; the costs and consequences of uneven urban and regional growth patterns; suburban sprawl and public health, transportation, and economic development; and the enduring connection of place, space, and race in the era of increased globalization. Whether intended or unintended, many government pol...

Pivotal Leadership is a unique anthology that curates thought-transforming articles written by CEOs, entrepreneurs, and seasoned leaders themselves—no fuss and straight from the masters’ mouths! Discover their secrets on how to be effective leaders amid the toughest challenges wherein the toughest calls—the pivotal choices—have to be made, as well as gain refreshing insights on innovation and persuasion, all distilled from real-world experiences and business expertise and all pour...

Transitional ministry can be tremendously helpful for congregations in times of change, and yet, to be successful today transitional ministers and churches need to take into account the major changes in the religious landscape. From the decline of mainline churches to the rise of those who don’t identify with any religious tradition, the religious scene has changed dramatically since transitional ministry began three decades ago, and to remain vital today, the practice of transitional mini...

What are the future directions of science? Intriguing research is being done, particularly by Russian scientists, on the relationships of energy, mind and matter. In the United States, however, the mechanistic approach still holds sway on science and education, and there are still tremendous obstacles to the funding of unconventional scientific research. Biophysicist Beverly Rubik reminds us that, “We have barely begun a science of life.” Much more work needs to be done, with a more open-m...

Race and racism have played a divisive and defining role throughout much of America's history. Slavery, Jim Crow laws, segregation, and Ku Klux Klan terrorism have inflicted deep psychic wounds, social disparities, and economic disadvantages that have diminished the promise of equal rights and opportunities for all.While much progress in race relations has been made in recent years-including the election of Barack Obama as President of the United State-it's clear that our journey t...

In this rich collection of essays, editors Dale McConkey and Peter Augustine Lawler explore the contributions that religious faith and morality can make to a civil society. Though the level of religious expression has remained high in the United States, the shift from traditional religious beliefs to a far more individualized style of faith has led many to contend that no faith commitment, collective or personal, should contribute to the vibrancy of a civil democratic society. Challenging ...

Klarissa Dreams Redux is an anthology of stories and poetry by a myriad of authors, set against the paintings of Klarissa Kocsis and produced by her daughter, author, Shebat Legion.Klarissa Kocsis has contributed to the Toronto, Ontario, Canada art scene for over twenty years, regularly exhibiting within the city where she has won numerous juried competitions. She is a painter who specializes in egg tempera, and has earned a reputation for portraiture and nudes.Shebat Legio...

A major study on the theology of Beloved Community.This long-awaited work by the church's top clergy, scholars, and thought leaders examines the theological foundation of Beloved Community and its threats. It addresses such important topics as the legacy and sin of white supremacy, economic disparity, racial healing, and the call for reparations. The committee's work sheds light on the societal and cultural implications of the largest obstacle to the core mission o...

The Holy Spirit is reintroducing the church to Pentecostal Fire!When many consider modern Christianity, they rightly wonder how we have come so far from the dynamic, supernatural community pictured in the Book of Acts. God did not change between then and now. What happened? Could it be that, in our quest to be relevant, entertaining, hip and appealing to modern culture, we have lowered the standard for the Christian life?We need a true revival that...

You have an ultimate magic within you, capable of transforming yourself, your life and everything that exists. You needn’t fear change, leave it to others, or get stuck with whatever happens next. You can pull heaven right out of your hat with the alchemy of your heart and mind. You just have to know how to use your abracadabra presto change-o. You can make things disappear or pop up because you are the change you crave. Your dream is a reality somewhere, ready for you to experience it by ...