An elderly man reflects back to 1971 when, as an adventurous youth of seventeen years, he discovered a realm of unconscious, extrasensory communication—revealing a world filled with gods! The youth explores an aethereal realm inhabited by a monster, a ghost, dragons locked in eternal conflict, a phoenix, spiritual teachers, and perhaps a goddess or two. In a series of ill-planned probes into the nether world, the youth manages to ensnare his dear friend in an ongoing conflict of voices coalescing into ever more powerful forces—leading to his friend’s tragic demise. His friend’s ghost demands vengeance. Should he avenge his friend’s death? If so, how can he kill a monster that is the creation of the hateful, unconscious thoughts of millions of sentient beings? Through sustained meditations on the logic of scientific proof, including examination of fundamental evidence for quantum theory, the youth becomes convinced that all is consciousness—no material world exists. Perhaps with sheer will he could choose from the many possible worlds one that does not include his friend’s death? But he soon realizes that just as there are laws of the physical world there are also inexorable forces in the conscious domain. He finds that he must meet the monster of his suffering on its own terms.

The gripping story of the emergence of a powerful new force in American politics Sara Miles's How to Hack the Party Line is the first book to explain the political significance of the high-technology industry, and to show the birth of a relationship between the new millionaires of the Information Age and power-hungry Washington insiders that will shape the politics of the twenty-first century. Packed with exclusive, behind-the-scenes reporting, How to Hack a Party Line chronicles a high-stakes experiment: the creation of Silicon Valley's first political machine. The book explores the often contradictory forces behind Silicon Valley's political awakening -- a mixture of naive libertarian sentiment, northern California social attitudes, aggressive business instincts, and a raw desire for power. Simultaneously it looks at centrist "new Democrats" who have left behind the labor coalitions of the industrial economy and are seeking a new identity in the values proclaimed by high-tech capitalists: growth, globalism, efficiency, and innovation. How to Hack the Party Line combines a colorful, character-rich narrative with serious reporting and political analysis. It asks what values prosper when high-tech business becomes the metaphor for society? And how, in the twenty-first century, will democracy respond?

The first in-depth, authoritative discussion of the role of the press in China and the way the Chinese government uses the media to shape public opinion China's 1.3 billion population may make the country the world's largest, but the vast majority of Chinese share remarkably similar views on these and a wide array of other issues, thanks to the unified message they get from tightly controlled state-run media. Official views are formed at the top in organizations like the Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television and allowed to trickle down to regional and local media, giving the appearance of many voices with a single message that is reinforced at every level. As a result, the Chinese are remarkably like-minded on a wide range of issues both domestic and foreign. Takes readers beyond China's economic miracle to show how the nation's massive state-run media complex not only influences public opinion but creates it Explores an array of issues, from Tibet and Taiwan to the environment and US trade relations, as seen through the lens of the Xinhua News Agency Tells the story of the official Xinhua News Agency along with its history and reporting over the years, as the foundation for telling the story

Mark has discovered a way to meet girls--on the teen party line. Unfortunately, he also discovers that some of the new girls he meets on the phone have disappeared. What started as a way to get dates, leads Mark into a frightening mystery--one that becomes dangerous as well!

Conservatives and liberals alike are currently debating the probable future of the Republican Party. What direction will conservatives and republicans take on foreign policy in the age of Obama? This book tackles this question.

Elegance at the tip of your needles! Cables and lace are special enough by themselves, but there is something graceful, even magical, about combining the two. Refined Knits concentrates on these two techniques, along with incredibly unique Aran Lace which combines the two, and the results are sure to impress. • Enduring Cables: discover cable-work with interesting structure in its details • Graceful Lace: explore the delicate sophistication of open-work • Elegant Aran Lace: combine lace and cables in unexpected and stunning ways Knitwear designer Jennifer guides you through knitting these timeless, classic techniques, resulting in finished garments and accessories with a decidedly modern feel you'll treasure for years to come.