Indeed, American students lag behind their peers in other nations, but America remains on the leading edge economically, scientifically, technologically, and militarily. The reason for this paradox, explains Barone in this brilliant essay, is that “from ages six to eighteen Americans live mostly in what I call Soft America—the parts of our country where there is little competition and accountability. But from ages eighteen to thirty Americans live mostly in Hard America—the parts of American life subject to competition and accountability.” While Soft America coddles, Hard America plays for keeps. Educators, for example, protect children from the rigors of testing, ban dodgeball, and promote just about any student who shows up. But most adults quickly figure out that how they do depends on what they produce. Barone sweeps readers along, showing how we came to the current divide—for things weren’t always this way. In fact, no part of our society is all Hard or all Soft, and the boundary between Hard America and Soft America often moves back and forth. Barone also shows where America is headed—or should be headed. We don’t want to subject kindergartners to the rigors of the Marine Corps or leave old people uncared for. But Soft America lives off the productivity, creativity, and competence of Hard America, and we have the luxury of keeping part of our society Soft only if we keep most of it Hard.Hard America, Soft America reveals: • How the American situation is unique: In Europe, schooling is competitive and demanding, but adult life is Soft, with generous welfare benefits, short work hours, long vacations, and state pensions• How the American military has reclaimed the Hard goals and programs it abandoned in the Vietnam era• How Hardness drives America’s economy—an economy that businesses and economists nearly destroyed in the 1970s by spurning competition • How America’s schools have failed because they are bastions of Softness—but how they are finally showing signs of Hardening• The benefits of Softness: How government programs like Social Security were necessary in what was a harsh and unforgiving America• Hard America, Soft America is a stunningly original and provocative work of social commentary from one of this country’s most respected political analysts.From the Hardcover edition.

    Accessibly written and assuming no previous knowledge of the subject, it encourages the reader tothink clearly and critically about the leading political questions of our time.Miller first investigates how political philosophy tackles basic ethical questions such as 'how should we live together in society?' He furthermore looks at political authority, discusses the reasons society needs politics in the first place, explores the limitations of politics, and asks if thereare areas of life that shouldn't be governed by politics. Moreover, he explores the connections between political authority and justice, a constant theme in political philosophy, and the ways in which social justice can be used to regulate rather than destroy a market economy.In his travels through this realm, Miller covers why nations are the natural units of government and wonders if the rise of multiculturalism and transnational co-operation will change all this, and asks in the end if we will ever see the formation of a world government.About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundredsof key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

    You've heard celebrities--Julia Roberts and Amanda Seyfried--gush about it. You know that it's fun and incredibly addictive. What is it? Knitting, of course! Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit? Knitting for beginners can seem intimidating at first, but with the right free beginner knitting patterns, anyone can learn how to knit. We know there are a lot of articles out there showing you the right way to get started knitting. For your convenience, we've put together a group of simple tutorials and free knitting patterns for beginners to make your learning experience less stressful. With our free eBook, How to Knit for Beginners: 9 Free Tutorials, you'll find tons of great patterns, tips, and step-by-step instructions that will make picking up knitting a breeze. Knitting for beginners doesn't have to be complicated, especially when you have the right tutorials at your disposal! With just a little time and practice, you’ll be knitting like a pro in no time at all--there’s really nothing to fear. Are you still a little nervous about trying to knit? Let's break it down a little. Did you know that there are only two stitches you need to know: the knit stitch and the purl stitch? All the other special stitches are created from variations of those two stitches. Isn’t that great news? Once you know how to knit and how to purl, you just need to practice with a few easy beginner knitting projects until the motion becomes natural.

    This is not an ordinary slow cooker cookbook, it contains information that a beginner should know. It does not require extraordinary cooking skills to cook using a Crock Pot. All you need is to learn the basics, that’s how simple and fun it really is.These days, people are having a hard time squeezing time for their family, recreation and cooking. Because of the wider food choices that we have today, cooking is the last thing that people will prioritize. Processed food and ready cooked meals are easily available even in a small store. However, if you want to live a healthy lifestyle, those types of foods will not help you at all. Here Is The Main Benefits in This Delicious, Quick & Easy Recipes Book: Each recipe in this cookbook is healthy, tasty and easy to prepare. Step-by-step directions for preparing each of the recipes that makes the process of cooking much quicker & easier. Ingredient list for every recipe is clearly written and measurements are given in a very simple and easy to understand manner. The navigation between the recipes has been made super easy. The cookbook comes with a Linked table of contents which makes jumping to your preferred and desired recipe very easy by simply clicking on the recipe. For a full list of what you can see inside, scroll up and click on the look inside feature and check out the Table of Contents! So do not delay, and start enjoying rich-tasting dishes with the minimum effort. DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY TODAY!

    You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

    Shelley Rigger explains how Taiwan became such a key global player, highlighting economic and political breakthroughs so impressive they have been called "miracles." She links these accomplishments to Taiwan's determined society, vibrant culture, and unique history. Drawing on arts, economics, politics, and international relations, Rigger explores Taiwan's importance to China, the United States, and the world. Considering where Taiwan may be headed in its wary standoff with China, she traces how the focus of Taiwan's domestic politics has shifted to a Taiwan-centered strategy. All readers interested in Asia and international affairs, as well as travelers to the region, will find this an accessible and entertaining overview, replete with human interest stories and colorful examples of daily life in Taiwan.

    I spent time looking for a book which would show me how a "raw" story was developed through drafts, with comments received and the changes made. Struggling to find such a work, I decided to create my own, being transparent and honest in the details. Using the story that gained me an offer of a place on a Master's in Creative Writing, SHORT STORY will take you through three drafts of the work.The book details not only the major revisions, feedback given by a professional novelist and an academic, but also has a bunch of tips from my writers toolbox condensed between the drafts. I hope that the process provides something useful for you, be it a tip from the writing toolbox, a look at the editing process, or motivation in knowing that you can do better than I did!

    The articles of faith, which all Muslims believe in, are: Unity of God, Angels, Prophets, Holy Books and Life after Death.

    There is one kitchen tool Kenzie Swanhart (aka food blogger Cave Girl in the City) couldn't be without: her spiralizer. It makes eating more vegetables a cinch, and it's just plain fun to use. In Spiralize It!, she shares her passion and proves that you can indulge in your favorite foods by swapping carbs for a variety of veggies, from carrots and sweet potatoes to butternut squash and zucchini.Featuring over 100 imaginative recipes, this comprehensive cookbook appeals to all palates--Paleo, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and anything in between. Get started, with: Plenty of recipes to satisfy cravings with guilt-free dishes and desserts, like Macaroni & Cheese and Not-Your-Average Carrot Cake Handy dietary icons plus nutritional information with every recipe Overviews of popular spiralizer brands to find the right one for you Spiralizer tips and tailored recipes to suit all spiralizer brands Whether you're feeding picky kids, raw foodists or the Paleo proud, this is the only spiralizer cookbook you'll need.

    The Vegan Diet is a Low Cholesterol diet for Animal Lovers with that is designed to have your body shed excess weight and burn stubborn fat.It is not just effective in helping you with your weight loss goals but incredibly effective at other things such as reversing diabetes, reducing heart disease and cancer risks, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol.Inside this book You will find 101 delicious recipes to build muscle on a vegan diet Recipes Included Inside...   Righteous Red Lentil Soup with Pumpkin Awesome Figs, Arugula Flatbread, Grapes and Balsamic Vinegar Gratuitous Granola with Dark Chocolate and Cherries Tremendous Thai Basil Coconut Soup Fly Mushrooms and Green Stir Fry Totally Tofu French Toast Brilliant Barbeque Seitan Sandwich And Much, Much, More! Download your copy now!Take action with these amazing recipes and you will achieve all of your weight loss and health goals. Now with 8 Free Bonus eBooks! Supports 10 Extra Languages!

    It examines a distinctive stage in the development of capitalism that began in the 1980s, in order to understand where we are now and how capitalism has evolved since. The book discusses the crisis tendencies of capitalism--including the S.E. Asian banking crisis, the collapse of the Russian economy, and the 1997-1998 global financial crisis--asking whether capitalism is doomed to fail. In the end, the author ruminates on a possible alternative to capitalism, discussing socialism, communal and cooperative experiments, and alternatives proposed by environmentalists.About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

    A quick-reference title checklist made for your kindle - Lisa Gardner book list in order. ALL novels in ALL series. Includes short stories, where to find them and where they fit in the series, as well as all stand-alone books.- FREE with your Kindle Unlimited Subscription- Automatic updates with each new book release- All series, short stories, and stand-alone worksCONVENIENT ON YOUR KINDLE- Tap open just like other books on your kindle instead of searching through websites and hoping they are up-to-date.- Check off the books you've read: Tap the book title and choose highlight from the pop-up.AUTOMATIC UPDATES:- This list is updated each time Lisa Gardner releases a new book.- Kindle Unlimited subscribers: Get your updated list by simply returning this booklet to the Cloud. When you need it again later, retrieve it and the updates will be there.- Buyers: Turn on Auto Updates for your device. When Amazon pushes the updated list through, your list will update to the latest version.COPYRIGHT COMPLIANCE: This is a title list only. In reading order. No portions of the books mentioned have been reproduced here. It complies with United States Copyright Office circular 34.THIS CHECKLIST COVERS ALL OF LISA GARDNER'S WORKS, INCLUDING PEN-NAME ALICIA SCOTTDetective D.D. Warren SeriesTessa Leoni SeriesFBI ProfilerFamily Secrets TrilogyThe Guiness Gang TrilogyStand Alone NovelsB000APTQPU

    It examines Thackeray the person and his intriguing political personality, his party’s militaristic methods of operation, its controversial role at major junctures, the fight between Thackeray’s nephew Raj and son Uddhav, the end of an era in Maharashtra politics after his death in November 2012 and the future of the Shiv Sena without his imposing presence. A must-read for an understanding of contemporary Indian politics and the rise of the Hindu nationalist phenomenon.

    Alex Callinicos argues that Marx's ideas have an enduring relevance and provides an engaging and accessible introduction to one of the West's most recognizable social critics.Alex Callinicos is professor of European studies at Kings College London. He has written widely about Marxism and social theory. His most recent books are Social Theory , Equality , Imperialism and Global Political Economy, and Bonfire of Illusion , all published by Polity.

    Alma was born in 1910 in lower Davidson County, North Carolina—as she says, "fifteen miles south of Lexington, off number 8 Highway, between Newsom and High Rock, near Jackson Hill and Bald Mountain, in the backwoods of nowhere." The fifth of nine children, she lived with her mama and daddy, who were poor sharecroppers, in a small shack-like house on the edge of the large Reid farm that lay between Cabin Creek and Lick Creek on the Yadkin River. In her own words, Alma resurrects now forgotten times and places as she shares with us the everyday life of sharecroppers of the early 1900s. Through vivid descriptions she leads us through their daily customs, folklores and hardships. She speaks of how they had to make do with what they had and how the little that they had was treasured. At age twelve Alma's family left the sharecropping way of life and moved twenty miles north of the backwoods to Lexington, the county seat. In Lexington her life changed dramatically. First, her one room school was replaced with modern schools. Then, at a young age she entered the work place. The biggest change came in her late teens when she met and married Odell Henderson Owen, and in the years that followed, became the mother of eleven children. During the chaotic years of raising eleven children she never forgot her upbringing, how her mama and daddy had instilled in her the importance of family, church and community. Like her daddy, she worked hard, always putting her family's needs first. And in times of personal need, she sought strength through the church . The beauty of this book is in the voice of the book—Alma's voice. Alma tells her story with a warmth that leaves you laughing at times and at other times holding a tissue to your eyes.