Extraordinary Encounters

Given the anthropological focus on ethnography as a kind of deep immersion, the interview poses theoretical and methodological challenges for the discipline. This volume explores those challenges and argues that the interview should be seen as a special, productive site of ethnographic encounter, a site of a very particular and important kind of knowing. In a range of social contexts and cultural settings, contributors show how the interview is experienced and imagined as a kind of space within which personal, biographic and social cues and norms can be explored and interrogated. The interview possesses its own authenticity, therefore—true to the persons involved and true to their moment of interaction—whilst at the same time providing information on human capacities and proclivities that is generalizable beyond particular social and cultural contexts.

Sam Keen, the New York Times best-selling author of Fire in the Belly, has spent a lifetime reflecting on nature. In Sightings, a collection of essays, bird watching forms the basis for observations spiritual and soulful, witty and wise. He describes his childhood ramblings in the silence of the Tennessee wilderness as feeling distinctly more spiritual than the hard pews of his grandmother's church. Later in life, the presumed extinction and subsequent rediscovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker prompts a meditation on the nature of the sacred. Blessed with moments of beauty and the insight to recognize them as such, Keen translates the marvels of nature into the language of heart and soul.

"Extraordinary Encounters: An Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrials and Otherworldly Beings" is the first ever illustrated A-Z encyclopedia to explore these fascinating modern day beliefs, personalities, beings, and events. Among the beings you'll meet in its pages are Abraham, a collection of highly evolved entities that speak in one voice; Metranon, the divine interface between God and the Outer Worlds (and sometime Old Testament angel); and The Planetary Council, whose members include Jove, Merlin, Quetzalcoatl, and Lao-Tzu.

Extraordinary Encounters is a five part accounting of pertinent topics. Facing Challenges in Part I is about Amelia Mason who faced problems and challenges. It is a fictional adventure which describes hardships, tragedies, romance and ways to face challenges. Part II clarifies how to survive no matter what happens. Part III is how to make a difference as a citizen in making effective changes in the political arena in the U.S.A. Part IV is a vivid description of different types of friendships. Part V is about my special memories during my lifetime. Extraordinary Encounters are about a variety of experiences, adventures, issues and human relationships. They include my personal, lifetime memories. We all have the opportunity to have extraordinary experiences in our lives if we reach out to awaken and to learn from our daily encounters with the unknown and forthcoming events that transpire.

Here is the first A–Z encyclopedia to explore the convictions held by many in the modern day world that extraterrestrials, angels, fairy-folk, and other-dimensional intelligences regularly interact with human beings. Extraordinary Encounters: An Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrials and Otherworldly Beings is the first ever illustrated A–Z encyclopedia to explore these fascinating modern day beliefs, personalities, beings, and events. Among the beings you'll meet in its pages are Abraham, a collection of highly evolved entities that speak in one voice; Metranon, the divine interface between God and the Outer Worlds (and sometime Old Testament angel); and The Planetary Council, whose members include Jove, Merlin, Quetzalcoatl, and Lao-Tzu.

In Extraordinary Encounters in an Ordinary Life, Mark Miller writes of everyday experiences (growing up in a Jewish household, raising children) and unique experiences (interviewing the Dalai Lama, running for public office. Miller tells of colorful characters he has met as newspaper reporter, copywriter, and marketing manager, and describes the difficulty of raising children after divorce. Reflecting on a career in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices, he recounts personal experiences with the dying, including members of his own family, providing insight into how health care systems often fails the poor and elderly. He asks questions about health care issues that become increasingly critical as Baby Boomers head into their final years. Finally, he gives personal accounts of celebrities he has met and interviewed, including Jimmy Carter and George Bush, which paint fresh portraits of the people behind the photos. Mark Miller's experiences and life lessons can serve as reminders for us to pay closer attention to the people and the blessings in our lives and to live every day with open minds and open hearts.

For a while, I thought I had an out-of-body experience similar to that of the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Then, I thought I might have had a vision. However, after the Lord had shown this to me about twenty-two times...I believed I saw heaven's signature on the spark of life. Jesse has led a remarkable life filled with spiritual experiences. He is one in a billion who has a close relationship with the Lord, though it wasn't always so. In fact, Jesse was called to ministry but did not respond at first. Through this struggle and others, Jesse has learned to accept the Lord's presence for what it is, regardless of what others around him may say or think. Anyone who has already witnessed the extraordinary activities of God will be even more encouraged with Jesse's account of his life, and anyone who has yet to have such an experience will be enlightened. The Lord's revelations are challenging and exciting, and Jesse is an example in seizing the moment. After reading his story, you will be empowered to overcome the odds against you and have your own Extraordinary Encounters.

'I recommend Heather's book to everyone. It's brilliant!' Dara McAnulty, author of Diary of a Young Naturalist An entrancing book of exploration, marine life and natural wonders. 'Wherever I go, I seek out beaches. They are woven through my life; a changing constant in a constantly changing world. Every walk through the rock pools, from the tideline to the low water mark, takes me on a journey into the sea and challenges my understanding of my world and of myself.' The British beach is full of creatures that we think we know - from crabs to clams, starfish to anemones. But, in fact, we barely understand how many survive or thrive. In Rock Pool the delights of childhood paddling are elevated to oceanic discoveries, as the fragile beauty and drama of intertidal existence is illustrated through the incredible lives of twenty-four individual creatures. The eye-opening account of a life-long passion by a talented writer and naturalist. 'Here are three simple steps to help you feel better about the world: read Heather Buttivant's marvellous book, grab a pair of wellies and get yourself to a rocky shore ... [a] thoughtful, enlightening and entertaining read.' BBC Wildlife Magazine