From a parking orbit observing "Antares" to the fi nal stand of a lone, battleweary Templar knight in "A Cold Day," author Mark Roberts presents this primer that introduces his work in poetry and fi ction, the macabre and the supernatural.
Roberts uses a full arsenal of tools-poetry, essays, short stories, novel excerpts-which he employs with ease and augments with heart-stopping horror and straightfor-the-throat humor to communicate his personal views on philosophy, metaphysics, religion, and politics. His Wiccan influences grant him a unique license which he readily abuses for a mischievous and brazen flirtation with irreverence. In "Misunderstood" Roberts demonstrates just how far beyond political satire, social commentary, and leftist politics he's willing to go. "I still have the treasured mementos and timeless photographs, symbols of the golden friendships of youth. And I still listen to the magicking, vociferous music that was to be our own unique timbre, the guiding soundtrack on our mission to change the world. Weren't we such inspired, uninhibited bohemians? In our most shining moments, propining, benevolent, umanitarian, visionary and romanticizing. At our worst, the Lady Caroline might have referred to us as "mad, bad, and dangerous to know."
Aimed at full-scale provocation, Roberts presents this eclectic collection that refl ects his Wiccan infl uences and his no-holds-barred sense of humor. "A Primer of Darksome Intent" is meant to be scary, funny, insightful, argumentative, and profound.

Despite its enormous wealth, the United States leads the industrialized world in poverty. One Nation, Underprivileged unravels this disturbing paradox by offering a unique and radically different understanding of American poverty. It debunks many of our most common myths about the poor, while at the same time provides a powerful new framework for addressing this enormous social and economic problem.
Mark Robert Rank vividly shows that the fundamental causes of poverty are to be found in our economic structure and political policy failures, rather than individual shortcomings or attitudes. He establishes for the first time that a significant percentage of Americans will experience poverty during their adult lifetimes, and firmly demonstrates that poverty is an issue of vital national concern.
Ultimately, Rank provides us with a new paradigm for understanding poverty, and outlines an innovative set of strategies that will reduce American poverty. One Nation, Underprivileged represents a profound starting point for rekindling a national focus upon America's most vexing social and economic problem.

Following on from the huge success of Boys Don't Try? this essential new book answers nine key questions about how teachers and schools can best tackle boys' academic underperformance. For decades schools have grappled with the most significant barriers to male academic success: a lack of motivation to succeed, poor attitudes to learning, lower literacy levels and a reluctance to read for pleasure or write at length. In this compelling book, Mark Roberts provides clear answers about how teachers can tackle 'The Boy Question'. Each chapter answers a frequently asked question about how best to teach boys, outlining the issue and demonstrating what can be done about it. Informed by a wealth of research and the author's personal experience of successfully teaching boys, this book offers an abundance of practical advice for the busy classroom teacher. It will shine a light on what makes boys tick and how we can design effective curriculums to ensure they can best acquire powerful knowledge. With practical advice and examples to help address anti-social attitudes and stem the cycle of boys' underachievement, this is essential reading for all teachers and school leaders.

Exam board: AQA, Edexcel; Edexcel Level & Subject: GCSE English Literature; A Level English Literature First teaching: September 2015 First examination: June 2017 This edition of Frankenstein is perfect for GCSE-level students: it comes complete with the novel, plus an introduction providing context, and a glossary explaining key terms. 'It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.' Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist with huge ambition, exceeds his own expectations when he manages to create life from an assemblage of dead body parts. Yet he has failed to think through the consequences and responsibilities of his action, with fatal results. First published in 1818, this genre-defying novel - part gothic tale, part science fiction, part philosophical exploration - invites us to consider whom we sympathise with: the scientist playing God or the monstrous creature he has created.

A significant part of understanding how people use geographic information and technology concerns human cognition. This book provides the first comprehensive in-depth examination of the cognitive aspects of human-computer interaction for geographic information systems (GIS). Cognitive aspects are treated in relation to individual, group, behavioral, institutional, and cultural perspectives. Extensions of GIS in the form of spatial decision support systems and SDSS for groups are part of the geographic information technology considered. Audience: Geographic information users, systems analysts and system designers, researchers in human-computer interaction will find this book an information resource for understanding cognitive aspects of geographic information technology use, and the methods appropriate for examining this use.

The book explores the claim that English local government exists in one of the most centralised relationships with national government. Such a position fundamentally undermines any notion of local self-government and makes the term 'government' in local government a misnomer. The book will examine how the erosion of the autonomy, powers, roles, functions and responsibilities of English local government came about, the arguments of centralisers and localisers to support their view of the constitutional status of local government, and its overall role in the government of England. The book offers an antidote to the onward march of centralisation by offering a new vision of local government which emphasises both 'local' and 'government'.

Exam board: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas; Cambridge Assessment International Education Level & Subject: GCSE 9-1 English Literature; IGCSE Literature in English First teaching: September 2015; September 2018 First examination: June 2017; June 2020 and 2021 This edition of Romeo and Juliet is perfect for GCSE-level students, with the complete play in an accessible format, on-page notes, introduction setting the context, timeline, character and theme indexes. Affordable high quality complete play for Romeo and Juliet, ideal for GCSE 9-1 and IGCSE Demystify vocabulary with notes on the page and concise commentary Set the scene with perfectly pitched introductions that introduce key contexts, concerns and stylistic features, and examine different performances and interpretations Recall plot summaries at the beginning of each scene Support GCSE revision and essay writing with theme and character indexes Help students with social, historical and literary context with the bespoke timeline of Shakespeare's life and times

Wide-ranging, detailed content and relies on sound educational research Up to date, relevant, modern approach which will replace older, discredited research Written by two teachers with experience in teaching boys, both of whom run successful education/teaching blogs Appealing to a wide readership: secondary school teachers, leaders, pastoral positions; education students; trainee teachers

Brilliant revision strategies for GCSE 9-1 English that really work! Students often tell teacher Mark Roberts that they find it hard to revise for GCSE English. This guide will show you why that is a common misconception, and that all you need is an organised, step-by-step approach to your English revision! Shortlisted for the Education Resources Awards 2021 * Discover how to banish ineffective revision and use study skills that will help you to do brilliantly in your exams * Understand what really successful students do to help them towards top grades in GCSE English * Implement practice methods that actually improve your memory Read this book to find out more! Chapter 1. Effective revision for English exams Chapter 2. Organising your notes and annotations Chapter 3. Memorising quotes Chapter 4. Exploding your quotes Chapter 5. Building up a bank of 'killer quotes' Chapter 6. Using context successfully Chapter 7, Improving practice essays Chapter 8. Getting ready for the unseen texts Chapter 9. Preparing for the creative writing questions Chapter 10. Taking care of yourself and coping with exams

Wide-ranging, detailed content and relies on sound educational research Up to date, relevant, modern approach which will replace older, discredited research Written by two teachers with experience in teaching boys, both of whom run successful education/teaching blogs Appealing to a wide readership: secondary school teachers, leaders, pastoral positions; education students; trainee teachers

Following on from the huge success of Boys Don't Try? this essential new book answers nine key questions about how teachers and schools can best tackle boys' academic underperformance. For decades schools have grappled with the most significant barriers to male academic success: a lack of motivation to succeed, poor attitudes to learning, lower literacy levels and a reluctance to read for pleasure or write at length. In this compelling book, Mark Roberts provides clear answers about how teachers can tackle 'The Boy Question'. Each chapter answers a frequently asked question about how best to teach boys, outlining the issue and demonstrating what can be done about it. Informed by a wealth of research and the author's personal experience of successfully teaching boys, this book offers an abundance of practical advice for the busy classroom teacher. It will shine a light on what makes boys tick and how we can design effective curriculums to ensure they can best acquire powerful knowledge. With practical advice and examples to help address anti-social attitudes and stem the cycle of boys' underachievement, this is essential reading for all teachers and school leaders.

Brilliant revision strategies for A-level English Literature that really work! Students often tell teacher Mark Roberts that they find it hard to revise for A Level English Literature. This guide will show you that all you need is an organised, step-by-step approach to your English revision to get the best grade possible. · Discover how to banish ineffective revision and use study skills that will help you to do brilliantly in your A Level exams · Understand what really successful students do to help them towards top grades in A Level English Literature · Implement practice methods that actually improve your memory Read this book to find out more! Chapter 1. Effective revision for English exams Chapter 2. Organising your notes and annotations Chapter 3. Building up a bank of “killer quotes� Chapter 4. “Exploding� your quotes Chapter 5. Applying critical viewpoints Chapter 6. Using context successfully Chapter 7. Developing your academic style Chapter 8. Improving practice essays Chapter 9. Getting ready for the unseen texts Chapter 10. Taking care of yourself and coping with exams

What if the idealized image of American society-a land of opportunity that will reward hard work with economic success-is completely wrong? Few topics have as many myths, stereotypes, and misperceptions surrounding them as that of poverty in America. The poor have been badly misunderstood since the beginnings of the country, with the rhetoric only ratcheting up in recent times. Our current era of fake news, alternative facts, and media partisanship has led to a breeding ground for all types of myths and misinformation to gain traction and legitimacy. Poorly Understood is the first book to systematically address and confront many of the most widespread myths pertaining to poverty. Mark Robert Rank, Lawrence M. Eppard, and Heather E. Bullock powerfully demonstrate that the realities of poverty are much different than the myths; indeed in many ways they are more disturbing. The idealized image of American society is one of abundant opportunities, with hard work being rewarded by economic prosperity. But what if this picture is wrong? What if poverty is an experience that touches the majority of Americans? What if hard work does not necessarily lead to economic well-being? What if the reasons for poverty are largely beyond the control of individuals? And if all of the evidence necessary to disprove these myths has been readily available for years, why do they remain so stubbornly pervasive? These are much more disturbing realities to consider because they call into question the very core of America's identity. Armed with the latest research, Poorly Understood not only challenges the myths of poverty and inequality, but it explains why these myths continue to exist, providing an innovative blueprint for how the nation can move forward to effectively alleviate American poverty.

The book explores the claim that English local government exists in one of the most centralised relationships with national government. Such a position fundamentally undermines any notion of local self-government and makes the term 'government' in local government a misnomer. The book will examine how the erosion of the autonomy, powers, roles, functions and responsibilities of English local government came about, the arguments of centralisers and localisers to support their view of the constitutional status of local government, and its overall role in the government of England. The book offers an antidote to the onward march of centralisation by offering a new vision of local government which emphasises both 'local' and 'government'.

A significant part of understanding how people use geographic information and technology concerns human cognition. This book provides the first comprehensive in-depth examination of the cognitive aspects of human-computer interaction for geographic information systems (GIS). Cognitive aspects are treated in relation to individual, group, behavioral, institutional, and cultural perspectives. Extensions of GIS in the form of spatial decision support systems and SDSS for groups are part of the geographic information technology considered. Audience: Geographic information users, systems analysts and system designers, researchers in human-computer interaction will find this book an information resource for understanding cognitive aspects of geographic information technology use, and the methods appropriate for examining this use.

A workshop on Singularities, Bifuraction and Dynamics was held at Warwick in July 1989, as part of a year-long symposium on Singularity Theory and its applications. The proceedings fall into two halves: Volume I mainly on connections with algebraic geometry and volume II on connections with dynamical systems theory, bifurcation theory and applications in the sciences. The papers are original research, stimulated by the symposium and workshop: All have been refereed and none will appear elsewhere. The main topic of volume II is new methods for the study of bifurcations in nonlinear dynamical systems, and applications of these.

In Rugged Individualism and the Misunderstanding of American Inequality, the authors argue that the stronger individualism and weaker structuralism found in the U.S. compared to much of Europe ensures that American politicians do not face the same degree of pressure that European politicians do to develop and/or maintain robust and structurally-oriented social policies. Combined with racism and features of the American political system, this works to limit the generosity and effectiveness of anti-poverty and inequality-reduction efforts in the U.S. This helps explain why the U.S. compares so poorly to other wealthy countries on measures of overall poverty, childhood poverty, economic inequality, and social mobility.

The paradox of poverty amidst plenty has plagued the United States throughout the 21st century - why should the wealthiest country in the world also have the highest rates of poverty among the industrialized nations? Based on his decades-long research and scholarship, one of the nation's leading authorities provides the answer. In The Poverty Paradox, Mark Robert Rank develops his unique perspective for understanding this puzzle. The approach is what he has defined over the years as structural vulnerability. Central to this new way of thinking is the distinction between those who lose out at the economic game versus why the game produces losers in the first place. Americans experiencing poverty tend to have certain characteristics placing them at a greater risk of impoverishment. Yet poverty results not from these factors, but rather from a lack of sufficient opportunities in society. In particular, the shortage of decent paying jobs and a strong safety net are paramount. Based upon this understanding, Rank goes on to detail a variety of strategies and programs to effectively alleviate poverty in the future. Implementing these policies has the added benefit of reinforcing several of the nation's most important values and principles. The Poverty Paradox represents a game changing examination of poverty and inequality. It provides the essential blueprint for finally combatting this economic injustice in the years ahead.

Perfect for readers of How God Changes Your Brain, two researchers present over thirty brain exercises to help readers generate happiness and success, in business and in life. �This remarkable book translates state-of-the art neuroscience into practical techniques that rapidly promote personal transformation. If you want to double your happiness and your income, start using these powerful brain-changing exercises today!� ―John Assaraf, New York Times bestselling author and CEO of NeuroGym Adapted from a business school course they created for professionals, bestselling author Mark Waldman and Chris Manning present simple brain exercises, based on the latest neuroscience research, to guide readers to improvement in all parts of life, from work to home, from how we think to how we feel. Their promise is to help people create more "wealth" in their lives, defined as the combination of money, happiness, and success. Using the latest research studied by two experts in their field, the book presents both the scientific background and sets of “NeuroWisdom� exercises that will help people reduce neurological stress and increase happiness, motivation, and productivity. The “worry� centers of the brain are turned off and the optimism circuits are turned on. Work becomes more pleasurable and creativity is increased, enabling the brain to anticipate and solve problems more efficiently. From the cutting edge of brain science to real-world solutions, these exercises help readers gain the wisdom that leads to greater fulfillment.

The American Dream lies at the heart and soul of the country. In Chasing the American Dream, Mark Robert Rank, Thomas A. Hirschl, and Kirk A. Foster provide a new and innovative look into the well being of the dream in today's society. They combine for the first time interviews with dozens of Americans, along with a longitudinal study covering 40 years of income dynamics for the national population. By weaving these approaches together, they create a vibrant tapestry upon which to tell the story of the American Dream. Their findings reveal a number of surprises. For most Americans, the meaning of the American Dream lies not in wealth and riches, but rather in economic security, pursuing one's passions, and looking forward toward the future. Yet nearly 80 percent of the population will experience significant economic insecurity at some point between the ages of 25 and 60. In addition, the authors show that the risk of economic vulnerability has been increasing substantially over the past four decades. Yet in spite of these trends, Americans remain upbeat about achieving the American Dream at some point during their lifetimes, although many will struggle to do so. The authors provide an innovative approach for thinking about and increasing the accessibility of the American Dream in the future. Chasing the American Dream provides readers with a new understanding into the dynamics that shape our fortunes, and a deeper insight into the centrality and importance of the American Dream for the future of the country.

A young Czech girl, missing for eight days, is found abandoned in a deserted playground. She is so traumatized she cannot speak. DCI Eve Clay is on her way to interview the victim, when another case is called in. Two Polish migrant workers have been found dead in their burnt out flat. But Clay soon realizes that this is no normal house fire. The men's bodies were set alight, after the killer had clinically removed both of their hearts. Then reports come in that the Czech girl's mother has now also disappeared. As Clay and her team work to make sense of these crimes, they receive a call saying there will be another murder before the day ends. And this time, the body count will only go up.