This is the second volume of the new subseries "Invariant Theory and Algebraic Transformation Groups". The aim of the survey by A. Bialynicki-Birula is to present the main trends and achievements of research in the theory of quotients by actions of algebraic groups. This theory contains geometric invariant theory with various applications to problems of moduli theory. The contribution by J. Carrell treats the subject of torus actions on algebraic varieties, giving a detailed exposition of many of the cohomological results one obtains from having a torus action with fixed points. Many examples, such as toric varieties and flag varieties, are discussed in detail. W.M. McGovern studies the actions of a semisimple Lie or algebraic group on its Lie algebra via the adjoint action and on itself via conjugation. His contribution focuses primarily on nilpotent orbits that have found the widest application to representation theory in the last thirty-five years.

Listeners do love their pastors and they agree with the sermon content they hear, ' Lori Carrell once explained to a group of pastors, 'but most sermons don't ask for change, and most listeners don't experience spiritual growth as a result of the sermon.' A participant responded: 'Let's get practical. I want my preaching to make a difference. What changes are worth making, and how do I make them?' In Preaching that Matters, Lori Carrell shares answers to that question, drawing on the experiences of thousands of people preachers and their listeners whose effort she has studied over many years. In each chapter of this book, she offers research revelations about high impact preaching that will encourage and challenge readers to continue to grow as preachers. She then links these principles with Reflective Practice Challenges (RPCs), exercises that honor the rich experiences of pastors while opening opportunities for self-analysis, spiritual introspection, conversation with a trusted other, or implementation of research-based preaching recommendations. The activities have been used by hundreds of other pastors, and each RPC has been carefully selected for its demonstrated contribution to the process of transforming sermon communication. A selection of the RPCs are available as a downloadable file. See the Features tab for more information. As a communication expert, Carrell approaches preaching from a 'sermon communication' paradigm. She begins with the task of identifying the spiritually transformative purpose of the sermon and then explores exegeting, organizing, deepening, and delivering the sermon, as well as listening to the listeners and planning for continued transformation. Her own goal is simple: to inspire and equip clergy to make changes that will enhance the transformative power of their preaching. To connect with others reading Preaching That Matters and to find an onlne accountability partner, join the book's Google+ communities."

This is the second volume of the new subseries "Invariant Theory and Algebraic Transformation Groups." The aim of the survey by A. Bialynicki-Birula is to present the main trends and achievements of research in the theory of quotients by actions of algebraic groups. This theory contains geometric invariant theory with various applications to problems of moduli theory. The contribution by J. Carrell treats the subject of torus actions on algebraic varieties, giving a detailed exposition of many of the cohomological results one obtains from having a torus action with fixed points. Many examples, such as toric varieties and flag varieties, are discussed in detail. W.M. McGovern studies the actions of a semisimple Lie or algebraic group on its Lie algebra via the adjoint action and on itself via conjugation. His contribution focuses primarily on nilpotent orbits that have found the widest application to representation theory in the last thirty-five years.

Blessed Lands Egypt - The year is now, but things are very different. Ancient Egypt never became ancient. Libyans, Nubians and Assyrians never invaded. The Thirtieth Dynasty repelled the Persians in 343 BC. and Egypt entered a long period of expansion. Syria, Greece and all of Africa conquered. Rome fell before it truly began. Most of Europe and Parts of Asia were absorbed. Egypt became the dominant country from the 18th through the 20th century. The Blessed Lands embraced peace after a long bloody war with the Cursed Lands across the Atlantic Ocean. Life for most Egyptians was good. Priest Honute was one of them. With a beautiful intelligent wife, a wonderful job and the horrible war behind him Honute, could finally enjoy his life. That is, until his wife asked for a divorce.

A creationist would tell you God created the Heaven, Earth, the skies above it, and everything beyond. God created Humans in His image. We are here to serve, not command. An Evolutionist may say the Universe was created with a flash bang and that Earth is a small part of a bigger picture. We are here to insure the perpetuity of the species. We think, therefore we are. Steve Launse thought it all academic. To him, God was a device that drove Humans to achieve. We advanced because we needed to believe. We had to believe and thus we grew. We created God, who created us. Then, one day, the Government knocked at his door and handed him a blank check. "You can prove your theory," they said. "I don't play with Human emotions," he said. They answered, "We are not talking about Humans." Decisions. A blank check. No restraint. No limits. What does one do?

Sean Blakemore, Commander of the GRID Battlecruiser Reginald L Johnson, wallowed in self-loathing. He drank too much, suffered from depression, and swam in self-pity. He figured life could not suck any worse when he received new orders. He had to hand the Johnson over to another commanding officer. God hated him he thought. Then . . . Dr. Loggar, head scientist in charge of this new mission, drew him into the semi-secret world of The Most High Goddess. She gave him hope. GRID Traveler Trilogy is a story of Sean's redemption, from rock bottom to discovering Humankind's true origins and possibly its inevitable future.

Blessed Lands Egypt - The year is now, but things are very different. Ancient Egypt never became ancient. Libyans, Nubians and Assyrians never invaded. The Thirtieth Dynasty repelled the Persians in 343 BC. and Egypt entered a long period of expansion. Syria, Greece and all of Africa conquered. Rome fell before it truly began. Most of Europe and Parts of Asia were absorbed. Egypt became the dominant country from the 18th through the 20th century. The Blessed Lands embraced peace after a long bloody war with the Cursed Lands across the Atlantic Ocean. Life for most Egyptians was good. Priest Honute was one of them. With a beautiful intelligent wife, a wonderful job and the horrible war behind him Honute, could finally enjoy his life. That is, until his wife asked for a divorce.

Long ago we were visited by aliens. They shared knowledge and told us stories of life. They showed us magick and made us believe. Then one day they left. We wondered what happened to them. We searched the skies. Through the years we performed "magick" hoping they would return. Epochs passed and we went searching for them to discover proof the Elders and Ancient Ones existed. Toward the end of the last war a hero fell from grace. Our journey begins here . . . Sean Blakemore, Commander of the GRID Battlecruiser Reginald L Johnson, wallowed in self-loathing. He drank too much, suffered from depression, and swam in self-pity. He figured life could not suck any worse when he received new orders. He had to hand the Johnson over to another commanding officer. God hated him he thought. Then . . . Dr. Loggar, head scientist in charge of this new mission, drew him into the semi-secret world of The Most High Goddess. She gave him hope. GRID Traveler Trilogy is a story of Sean's redemption, from rock bottom to discovering Humankind's true origins and possibly its inevitable future.

This book provides meaningful and thoughtful reasons why parents should be there for their kids. It is a must read for all parents and expecting parents