Discusses the Magna Carta which, despite being a British document, majorly influenced the United States Constitution.

"Cornerstone" is a new collection of essays offering a dazzling, contemporary spin on the origins of civilization. Pedro Azara s unique architectural and archaeological insights, enhanced by his knowledge of cuneiform script, decode the dreams, myths and ideas that gave birth to the city some 7000 years ago. Through painstaking fieldwork and the reexamination of ancient Mesopotamian texts, Azara casts fresh light on these first architects and in the process, uncovers the mysterious origins of urban culture and the aesthetic principles underpinning it. With nimble wit and a voracious intellect, Azara follows these echoes from the past through to our present day cityscapes, proof that, perhaps, our old neighbours have never really moved out. "

In this groundbreaking guide, former investment banker Philippe Espinasse explains the process of gathering cornerstone investors in connection with IPOs and other equity offerings. Using his trademark simple and jargon-free language, he details the targeting strategies, documentation, marketing, and allocation of shares and other securities to these reference shareholders, and analyses why and how they make or break today’s new listings across Asia’s key markets. This essential guide—and the first of its kind—contains key information on the legal framework for cornerstone investors in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore, and offers practical advice on how best to structure and conduct a cornerstone investor offering. It also discusses some of the more controversial issues associated with the practice of cornerstone investment and includes many real-life examples of cornerstone deals, sample documents, cornerstone investor profiles, an investor target list, and a comprehensive glossary. ‘There is no better person to shed light on the opaque world of cornerstone investing in Asian IPOs. Philippe Espinasse writes clearly, substantively, and expertly.’ —Jasper Moiseiwitsch, Asia companies and markets news editor, Financial Times ‘As engaging as it is informative. Espinasse has cut through legalese and jargon to create a pragmatic overview of this widely misunderstood, and distinctly Asian, investment banking concept. Packed with recent examples, this book doesn’t just teach you about cornerstones; it also provides an insider’s take of the region’s capital markets hubs.’ —Danielle Myles, capital markets editor, The Banker ‘Cornerstone investors have taken centre stage in Hong Kong’s IPO market. This book is needed now more than ever.’ —Matthew Thomas, Asia bureau chief, Euromoney Institutional Investor

I, The Lord Jesus, speak to man this day of his being in the end-time of his mortality, of his being at the cross-roads of existence, of his being subject to the tipping of the scales of his freewill. For as the scales are tipped so the destiny is procured. For as the scales are tipped so the freewill of man decides. For as the scales are tipped so the existence in eternity becomes instated with a dwelling place. For the scales of destiny are accurate and refined: verify the weight of sin, verify the presence of Grace. For the scales of destiny do not seesaw in indecision: know the arguments of sin; know the overwhelming bounty of Grace. So man pays the penalty of sin or receives the accolade due Grace, is destined for the depths of darkness or is uplifted to the light: has his freewill demanding respect— from the detailed record; or has his freewill deserving honour— born of righteous faith. I, The Lord Jesus, will greet all those awaiting Me, will turn My back on those unknown and weighted down with sin. The entry in The Lamb’s Book of Life, for each within mortality, is only valid, only remains on offer, only stands open for acceptance: within a timeline shrinking fast, within a timeline prior to My return, within a timeline set for expiry on the use-by day. The timeline as set for man has been determined by God.