Portland, Oregon, is often cited as one of the most livable cities in the United States and a model for "smart growth." At the same time, critics deride it as a victim of heavy-handed planning and point to its skyrocketing housing costs as a clear sign of good intentions gone awry. Which side is right? Does Portland deserve the accolades it has received, or has hype overshadowed the real story?In The Portland Edge, leading urban scholars who have lived in and studied the region pre...

From the spellbinding novel Gypsy Kisses and Voodoo Wishes, meet Zenobia Jalio.Many know her as a grandmother with a few magic tricks up her sleeve from the heart of New Orleans.However, some believe she is a self-righteous witch, a dangerous judge, and a ruthless tormentor. Others know her as a trusted healer, savior, and kind friend.History shows she was once the beloved queen of Palmyra.Read this collection of her deeds, then decide,do yo...

Success is one of those words that has different meanings. More often than not, however we define it, it is misunderstood.If you see a finely dressed person driving an expensive automobile, without knowing anything else about that person, you can’t help but automatically think, “Boy! That’s a successful person!” It could very well be that he is facing bankruptcy. Or her health is failing. Or his personal life is in shambles.Likewise, were you to see a somewhat disheveled pers...