This important book defines what investigative reporting is and what qualities it requires. Drawing on the experience of many well-known journalists in the field, the author identifies the skills, common factors and special circumstances involved in a wide variety of investigations. It examines how opportunities for investigations can be found and pursued, how informants can be persuaded to yield needed information and how and where this information can be checked. It also stresses the dangers and legal constraints that have to be contended with and shows real life examples such as the Cook Report formula, the Jonathan Aitken investigation and the Birmingham Six story. David Spark, himself a freelance writer of wide experience, examines how opportunities for investigations can be found and pursued, how informants can be persuaded to yield needed information and how and where this information can be checked. He also stresses the dangers and legal constraints that have to be contended with and shows investigators at work in two classic inquiries: * The mysterious weekend spent in Paris by Jonathan Aitken, then Minister of Defence Procurement * The career of masterspy Kim Philby Investigative Reporting looks at such fields for inquiry as company frauds (including those of Robert Maxwell), consumer complaints, crime, police malpractice, the intelligence services, local government and corruption in Parliament and in overseas and international bodies. The author believes that the conclusions that emerge from this far-reaching survey are of value not only in investigative journalism, but to practitioners in all branches of reporting.

This guide to all aspects of the reporter's job, has been extensively revised and updated for a third edition. It considers: What is news? How the modern newsroom operates How facts are gathered and checked The reporter and picture ideas District reporting Techniques of interviewing News writing and newspaper language How to summarize Reporting the courts Political and industrial reporting Aspects of sportswriting Feature writing and arts reviewing The book also includes an important new chapter on the place of local government in newspaper coverage and it examines a newspaper's internal structure and the reporter's daily work in the light of the latest technology. This classic textbook is a must for all journalism and media courses and offers the ideal career introduction for the young journalist.

What roles do queer and transgender people play in the African diasporic religions? Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Participation in African-Inspired Traditions in the Americas is a groundbreaking scholarly exploration of this long-neglected subject. It offers clear insight into the complex dynamics of gender and sexual orientation, humans and deities, and race and ethnicity, within these richly nuanced spiritual practices. Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions explores the ways in which gender complexity and same-sex intimacy are integral to the primary beliefs and practices of these faiths. It begins with a comprehensive overview of Vodou, Santeria, and other African-based religions. The second section includes extensive, revealing interviews with practitioners who offer insight into the intersection of their beliefs, their sexual orientation, and their gender identity. Finally, it provides a powerful analysis of the ways these traditions have inspired artists, musicians, and writers such as Audre Lorde, as well as informative interviews with the artists themselves. In Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions, you will discover: how the presence of androgynous divinities affects both faith and practice in Vodou, Candomble, Santeria, and other Creole religions how the phenomenon of possession or embodiment by a god or goddess may validate queer identity and nurture gender complexity who practices the African-derived spiritual traditions, what they believe, and who their deities are how these faiths have influenced the art and aesthetic traditions of the West This landmark book opens a fascinating new world of thought and belief. The authors provide rigorous documentation and faultless scholarly method as well as personal experience and the testimony of believers. Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions sheds new light on two widely different fields: LGBT studies and the theology of the African diaspora. A thorough bibliography points the way to further study, and an extensive photograph gallery provides a unique look at the believers and their practices. Every library with holdings in queer theory, African mythology, or sociology of religion should have this landmark volume.

What roles do queer and transgender people play in the African diasporic religions? Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Participation in African-Inspired Traditions in the Americas is a groundbreaking scholarly exploration of this long-neglected subject. It offers clear insight into the complex dynamics of gender and sexual orientation, humans and deities, and race and ethnicity, within these richly nuanced spiritual practices. Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions explores the ways in which gender complexity and same-sex intimacy are integral to the primary beliefs and practices of these faiths. It begins with a comprehensive overview of Vodou, Santeria, and other African-based religions. The second section includes extensive, revealing interviews with practitioners who offer insight into the intersection of their beliefs, their sexual orientation, and their gender identity. Finally, it provides a powerful analysis of the ways these traditions have inspired artists, musicians, and writers such as Audre Lorde, as well as informative interviews with the artists themselves. In Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions, you will discover: how the presence of androgynous divinities affects both faith and practice in Vodou, Candomble, Santeria, and other Creole religions how the phenomenon of possession or embodiment by a god or goddess may validate queer identity and nurture gender complexity who practices the African-derived spiritual traditions, what they believe, and who their deities are how these faiths have influenced the art and aesthetic traditions of the West This landmark book opens a fascinating new world of thought and belief. The authors provide rigorous documentation and faultless scholarly method as well as personal experience and the testimony of believers. Queering Creole Spiritual Traditions sheds new light on two widely different fields: LGBT studies and the theology of the African diaspora. A thorough bibliography points the way to further study, and an extensive photograph gallery provides a unique look at the believers and their practices. Every library with holdings in queer theory, African mythology, or sociology of religion should have this landmark volume.

This guide to all aspects of the reporter's job, has been extensively revised and updated for a third edition. It considers:
What is news?
How the modern newsroom operates
How facts are gathered and checked
The reporter and picture ideas
District reporting
Techniques of interviewing
News writing and newspaper language
How to summarize
Reporting the courts
Political and industrial reporting
Aspects of sportswriting
Feature writing and arts reviewing

The book also includes an important new chapter on the place of local government in newspaper coverage and it examines a newspaper's internal structure and the reporter's daily work in the light of the latest technology.
This classic textbook is a must for all journalism and media courses and offers the ideal career introduction for the young journalist.
Leading guide to all aspects of a reporter's job
Third edition has been extensively revised and updated
New material on sports writing and ethical journalism and a new chapter on the place of local government in newspaper coverage.

This important book defines what investigative reporting is and what qualities it requires. Drawing on the experience of many well-known journalists in the field, the author identifies the skills, common factors and special circumstances involved in a wide variety of investigations. It examines how opportunities for investigations can be found and pursued, how informants can be persuaded to yield needed information and how and where this information can be checked. It also stresses the dangers and legal constraints that have to be contended with and shows real life examples such as the Cook Report formula, the Jonathan Aitken investigation and the Birmingham Six story.
David Spark, himself a freelance writer of wide experience, examines how opportunities for investigations can be found and pursued, how informants can be persuaded to yield needed information and how and where this information can be checked. He also stresses the dangers and legal constraints that have to be contended with and shows investigators at work in two classic inquiries:
- The mysterious weekend spent in Paris by Jonathan Aitken, then Minister of Defence Procurement
- The career of masterspy Kim Philby
Investigative Reporting looks at such fields for inquiry as company frauds (including those of Robert Maxwell), consumer complaints, crime, police malpractice, the intelligence services, local government and corruption in Parliament and in overseas and international bodies.
The author believes that the conclusions that emerge from this far-reaching survey are of value not only in investigative journalism, but to practitioners in all branches of reporting.
The most comprehensive book oninvestigative journalism
Learn first hand from real-life examples
Get tips on writing style and where to find ideas

With businesses on the receiving end of much closer financial scrutiny than before, many struggle to get their hands on finance. Banks, with less money available to lend, are forced to choose those business propositions that meet their tighter risk criteria. In the current back-to-basics era, a compelling business case for finance is now a 'must have' before meeting a bank. This book is an essential guide to what any business must know before talking to their bank about finance in these changing times. In this book you will discover: what kind of businesses banks actually like to lend to; how much finance you should ask for; how a bank decides on your credit rating; why banks don't just lend the money because you offer security; what a bank is really interested in knowing about your business; what ROE is and why it matters; how many business forecasts you should show your bank; how many banking relationships your business should have; what sensitivity analysis is and why you need to know; and a whole lot more David Sparks worked in business banking for over twenty years in the UK, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Subsequently he established a successful training and consulting business with a particular focus on teaching bank managers how to evaluate business customers for credit. In THE QUICK GUIDE ON BUSINESS LOANS David Sparks reveals the mindset of a commercial bank manager when assessing a business for credit. "If finance is not your thing, then this book is for you In less than 90 minutes, you'll be up to speed on what matters and what's needed to make a persuasive case for finance for your business. An excellent straight- talking read; I defy anyone to go through this book and not come away with a 'to do' list that will improve their business case for finance." Joe Browne, Executive Chairman, SRXGlobal, Sydney, Australia. "As a first time successful owner of an SME for three and a half years this book is like reading deja vu. A great reference guide on understanding how to analyse your business model, develop a persuasive case for finance and ensure success in securing funds for business growth in a new financial era." Steve Satherley, Owner, S & K Liquor, Wellington, New Zealand. "If you want to have a meaningful conversation about finance with your bank, you need to talk their language. Take the time out to read this book and you'll be well equipped to have that conversation. A must-read for any business preparing its case for finance before meeting with their bank." Julio de Quesada, Independent Financial Services Professional; formerly Executive Vice President and Country Head, Citibank Mexico.

After returning to New York, Don and Jeff struggle to put the past behind them. After struggling with their conscience Don and Jeff head back to Weston to find out what happened to Sgt. Nash. The trip once again produces more questions than answers. Don and Jeff find themselves back at Dallback Ridge Church and may not make it out alive.

Don and Jeff, two students from New York, embark on a once in a lifetime spring break adventure to Florida. An unfortunate streak of events land them in the middle of a deadly secret in the hills of West Virginia that will change their lives forever.

In "The Nature of Reiki: A Path of Inclusion," John David Sparks connects the character and core of Reiki's ability to illuminate our own true nature with the beauty and joy inherent in life itself.

Using a synthesis of some of the world's most influential teachings, Sparks shows us through his own experience that Reiki is more than a technique of hands-on healing, it is also a path of light and Love. Embracing its nature shows us how to balance our life and work through the problems, illnesses, and issues that keep us from being at peace.

For those who already share this understanding, and for those who are ready to begin the healing journey to their own divinity, this book is a valuable resource. It includes:
a quantum leap in the understanding of Reiki
powerful "I AM" affirmations for healing and self-empowerment
fascinating new insights into the Usui symbols
how walking the Path of Inclusion can bring peace into your life

Joey is a nine year old boy who lives in Deerfield, West Virginia. Joey's childhood is normal except for random nightmares. As the nightmares get worse his parents take him to a local psychiatrist, Dr. Robert, who works with Joey to try to stop them. The nightmares guide Dr. Robert and Joey on an adventure that leads them to discover small pieces of an unknown puzzle.