Ancient Animals New Challenges

This book summarizes the latest advances in sponge science through a concise selection of studies presented at the VIII World Sponge Conference. The collection of articles reflects hot, ongoing debates in molecular research, such as the monophyletic versus paraphyletic nature of the sponge group, or the new awareness on pros and cons of standard barcodes and other markers in sponge taxonomy and phylogeny. It also features articles showing how the new sequencing technologies reveal the functional and phylogenetic complexity of the "microbial universe" associated to sponge tissues. The ecological interactions of sponges, the effects of nutrients and pollutants, the variability in reproductive patterns, and the processes generating genotypic and phenotypic variability in sponge populations are covered in several contributions. Zoogeography, population structure and dynamics are also approached with both traditional and molecular tools. The effect of anthropogenic disturbance on the natural environment finds its place in this volume with papers dealing with metal accumulation and the potential role of sponges as biomonitors. Biodiversity data from unexplored tropical and deep sea areas are presented. We hope readers will enjoy the selection of papers, which we believe represent collectively a significant contribution to our current understanding of sponges. Previously published in Hydrobiologia, vol. 687, 2012

Animals and Inequality in the Ancient World explores the current trends in the social archaeology of human-animal relationships, focusing on the ways in which animals are used to structure, create, support, and even deconstruct social inequalities. The authors provide a global range of case studies from both New and Old World archaeology—a royal Aztec dog burial, the monumental horse tombs of Central Asia, and the ceremonial macaw cages of ancient Mexico among them. They explore the complex relationships between people and animals in social, economic, political, and ritual contexts, incorporating animal remains from archaeological sites with artifacts, texts, and iconography to develop their interpretations. Animals and Inequality in the Ancient World presents new data and interpretations that reveal the role of animals, their products, and their symbolism in structuring social inequalities in the ancient world. The volume will be of interest to archaeologists, especially zooarchaeologists, and classical scholars of pre-modern civilizations and societies.

Written by an international team of respected Christian scholars, this freshly researched rebuttal of Mormon doctrine will aid those sharing the gospel with Mormons and those investigating Mormonism on their own.

In this book, Nobel Prize-winning economist Edmund Phelps draws on a lifetime of thinking to make a sweeping new argument about what makes nations prosper--and why the sources of that prosperity are under threat today. Why did prosperity explode in some nations between the 1820s and 1960s, creating not just unprecedented material wealth but "flourishing"--meaningful work, self-expression, and personal growth for more people than ever before? Phelps makes the case that the wellspring of this flourishing was modern values such as the desire to create, explore, and meet challenges. These values fueled the grassroots dynamism that was necessary for widespread, indigenous innovation. Most innovation wasn't driven by a few isolated visionaries like Henry Ford and Steve Jobs; rather, it was driven by millions of people empowered to think of, develop, and market innumerable new products and processes, and improvements to existing ones. Mass flourishing--a combination of material well-being and the "good life" in a broader sense--was created by this mass innovation. Yet indigenous innovation and flourishing weakened decades ago. In America, evidence indicates that innovation and job satisfaction have decreased since the late 1960s, while postwar Europe has never recaptured its former dynamism. The reason, Phelps argues, is that the modern values underlying the modern economy are under threat by a resurgence of traditional, corporatist values that put the community and state over the individual. The ultimate fate of modern values is now the most pressing question for the West: will Western nations recommit themselves to modernity, grassroots dynamism, indigenous innovation, and widespread personal fulfillment, or will we go on with a narrowed innovation that limits flourishing to a few? A book of immense practical and intellectual importance, Mass Flourishing is essential reading for anyone who cares about the sources of prosperity and the future of the West.

Some say the end of mankind is near. Some say that financial turmoil is part of the process, along with global warming, warfare and the spread of mass psychosis. Children are fed drugs to keep them calm; nations are invaded by their neighbors; the climate is changing all around us; celebrities become our gods and materialism is the new mantra. But what is the real truth? Is there an answer to all this? If our material lives are making us happier, then why so many self-help books, films and philosophies? It can't be denied that the times are changing. Every day sees new challenges for our species, while we cause mayhem and madness on an unbelievable scale. But there is a ratio to it all, a rhyme and reason behind everything that we do and everything that affects us. Ancient Code is a collection of 20 fascinating essays - from today's top authors and researchers - which takes a look at the Ancient Code, our relationship with it and how it relates to 2012. You will learn about a power that was first hidden and then lost over time. Many have sought to rediscover it in order to wield it selfishly. Like mad magicians seeking to rule the world, men of renown have fleetingly seen the incredible nature of this Code but all too often they have missed the point. The Ancient Code needs no material gain, no hatred, warfare or drugs, because YOU are the key to the Code... Featuring: Brian Allan, Jack Allis, Kala Ambrose, Nick Ashron, Philip Coppens, Robert Feather, Philip Gardiner, Dr. Mitchell E. Gibson, Andrew Gough, Jasmine Gould, Dan Green, Dr. John Jay Harper, June-Elleni Lane, Janice Manning, Marshall Masters, Brian Mayne, Steve Mitchell, Nick Pope, Dennis Price and Colin Wilson.

Now in a revised and expanded third edition, this important resource helps teachers understand how good readers comprehend text and how best to support students who are struggling. It presents effective instructional methods for learners at all grade levels, including those with reading disabilities. Every chapter translates state-of-the-art research into practical classroom applications. All facets of comprehension are addressed, including assessment, vocabulary, background knowledge, and text structure. Chapters also cover English learners, intensive intervention, and content literacy. Utility as a teacher guide and course text is enhanced by sample lesson plans, graphic organizers, and chapter-opening study questions. New to This Edition *Chapter on text selection and text structure. *Chapter on teachers' frequently asked questions, providing specific, actionable advice. *More than twice as many sample lesson plans. *Revised throughout with the latest research and teaching techniques.

A time-traveling field guide to the ancient version of Big Bend National Park.

This book has been published as part of a major conference held in Sheffield UK, on the theme of 'Animals, Man and Treescapes' which looked at the interactions between grazing animals, humans and wooded landscapes. It linked community projects and educational outputs throughout the UK, across Europe and beyond. The event promoted landscape ecology conservation through local, national and international initiatives.