In life, we all face certain barriers to success. These barriers are walls that stand between us and our next level of growth. My father taught me that, if you look hard enough, you will see that there are always cracks in the wall. The goal is to persist in finding those cracks in the wall and pressing our way through them. We can't accept the notion that a wall has no cracks. Nor can we make excuses or blame others for the walls. We must make every effort to breach them. I've carried this advice in my heart all my life. Throughout my journey, I've come to understand more about these walls, and the people on either side of them. On one side of the wall, there are Hidden Gems. Underprivileged, disadvantaged individuals, facing tough situations with tenacity and perseverance but obscured by their circumstances or the preconceived stigma surrounding it. On the other side of the wall, there are successful individuals that are blessed with the ability to dig deeper and seek out the potential that lies beyond the surface of these Hidden Gems' perceived lack of aptitude, in part, due to their impoverished circumstances.The wall stands can appear overwhelming with oppressive forces. But thank goodness these walls are not insurmountable; there are always cracks in the wall. This is an uplifting, motivational and inspirational book by a Black man who was raised by an elderly father in the South during the 60s. Ronnie overcame extreme poverty, homelessness, and illiteracy, and achieved success as an engineer and philanthropist. The lessons in this book are cross-racial, cross-generational, and are relevant to both ends of the socio-economic spectrum with its simple, powerful message: REACH THROUGH THE CRACKS IN THE WALL THAT DIVIDES US.

A sharp analysis of the widening cracks in Israel's traditional pillars of support.

Pablo Borla's marriage is reduced to confrontations with his wife over their daughter's rebellious ways and his firm builds only repellent office blocks destroying the fabric of old Buenos Aires. It all changes with the arrival of a young woman who brings to light a murder committed decades ago by those in his office. A murder everyone assumed was forgotten. Claudia Piñeiro, after working as a professional accountant, became a journalist, playwright and television scriptwriter and in 1992 won the prestigious Pléyade journalism award. She has more recently turned to fiction; All Yours (finalist for the 2003 Planeta Prize) and Thursday Night Widows.

Can we really know what UFO's are? The answer is Yes-but only if we study them armed with a kind of knowledge that explains the true and complete structure of the universe-spiritual, psychic, and material-a knowledge that only traditional metaphysics can provide. Science can supply one piece of the puzzle, detective work another, psychic investigation still another. But only metaphysics can put the puzzle together, and give us a complete and satisfying picture of the UFO phenomenon. Cracks in the Great Wall analyzes of the findings of UFO researcher Jacques Vallee and some of his colleagues in light of the teachings of René Guénon, particularly as expressed in his prophetic masterpiece The Reign of Quantity and the Signs of the Times. According to Guénon, one of the signs of the End Times is the erosion of the energy barrier or 'Great Wall' between the material plane and the world of subtle realities-which is why our world is now being invaded by 'infra-psychic forces' of a terribly destructive nature. Author Charles Upton shows how one of the most obvious examples of this invasion is the UFO phenomenon, including the experience of 'alien abduction'. A lifetime student of comparative religion and mysticism, he explains the true nature of UFOs, the quality of the world they come from, and also something about the agenda these beings, or some of them, are trying to impose upon our world. If you want to remain merely mystified or fascinated by the UFO phenomenon, this book is not for you. But if you want to understand it, Cracks in the Great Wall will give you the conceptual tools you need. With the help of UFOlogists Jacques Vallee and John E. Mack, Christian writers C.S. Lewis and Seraphim Rose, Kaballah authority Leo Schaya, and traditionalist writers René Guénon and Whitall Perry, Charles Upton has provided the most comprehensive explanation of the UFO phenomenon yet written. It is difficult to be objective in areas outside our collective view of reality-but if, as the author contends, his argument is based on sound principles, it deserves serious consideration by all who are interested in the UFO phenomenon and its effect on our world. . "Charles Upton is a serious writer from whom I have learned much. His writing deserves close attention." -Prof. Huston Smith, author of The World's Religions, etc.

First published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

They say it's lonely at the top. And it can be even lonelier when you are almost at the top. Church leaders who hold second-chair positions are under tremendous pressure. They are expected to do their jobs and provide leadership but to defer to the top leader too. It's a demanding balancing act. How can they lead effectively while serving under someone else's leadership? Leading from the Second Chair offers an invaluable resource to leaders who serve in second- (and third- and fourth-) chair roles, enabling them to become more productive, proactive, and fulfilled. The book reveals the paradoxes of second chair leadership. These leaders must be subordinate to the top leader yet lead in their own right. They should be deep in their expertise but wide in perspective. And they must be content in their jobs yet remain enthusiastic about their dreams for the future. Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson share their own and others' experiences of failure and success in this vital role. They offer support and practical advice for reshaping the way second-chair leaders can serve well and improve the overall performance of their church or organization. Leading from the Second Chair equips readers with the positive attitudes, skills, and strategies needed to become powerful leaders who will survive and thrive in God's service.

Featuring over 1,500 technically precise illustrations of a home's major systems. The Illustrated Home provides a one-of-a-kind resource to home inspectors, new homeowners and real estate professionals alike. This must-have reference book provides an impressive collection of detailed home illustrations developed by expert home inspectors and ......