Author: Anthony Storr
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780006384236
Category : Authoritarianism
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
An eye-opening investigation of charismatic "gurus" from Jesus to Freud to David Koresh, by the author of "Solitude: A Return to the Self". In "Feet of Clay", eminent psychologist Anthony Storr uncovers the personality traits that link these men and explores the incredible power they have wielded over their fanatical followers. 11 photos.
Feet of Clay
Author: Anthony Storr
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780006384236
Category : Authoritarianism
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
An eye-opening investigation of charismatic "gurus" from Jesus to Freud to David Koresh, by the author of "Solitude: A Return to the Self". In "Feet of Clay", eminent psychologist Anthony Storr uncovers the personality traits that link these men and explores the incredible power they have wielded over their fanatical followers. 11 photos.
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780006384236
Category : Authoritarianism
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
An eye-opening investigation of charismatic "gurus" from Jesus to Freud to David Koresh, by the author of "Solitude: A Return to the Self". In "Feet of Clay", eminent psychologist Anthony Storr uncovers the personality traits that link these men and explores the incredible power they have wielded over their fanatical followers. 11 photos.
The Time of the End II: The 7 Heads of the Dragon and the Nation-Beasts of the Last Days
Author: Matthew S Crane
Publisher: Matthew S Crane
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
A key factor in comprehending the prophetic landscape of the end times is to recognize the specific, prominent nations that will be involved. In the Scriptures, these nations are depicted in allegorical form, and for literally thousands of years, students of the word of God have labored to discern the identity and meaning of the four beasts (Daniel 7), the elements of Nebuchadnezzar’s image (Daniel 2), and the seven heads of the Dragon (Revelation 17). Many speculations and interpretations continue to be made, yet to this day, there is still a great amount of uncertainty regarding these prophecies. The Time of the End I provided the Scriptural foundation for a 10 ½ year timeline of the last days, and like the border pieces of a puzzle, this new perspective has provided new insight into the broader picture of prophecy. The Time of the End II sheds light upon and unlocks the concealed identifications of the Lion, the Bear, and the Leopard (Daniel 7), the feet and toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s image (Daniel 2), the seven heads of the Dragon, and how those nations relate to the four horns (Zechariah 1), the four carpenters (Zechariah 1), the four horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6), and the movements throughout history of Mystery Babylon (Revelation 17). Like its predecessor, The Time of the End II confidently rearranges some of the more popular and accepted ‘puzzle pieces’ of prophecy, and emerges with a notably different picture, one that is far more consistent with a literal interpretation of the Scriptures.
Publisher: Matthew S Crane
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
A key factor in comprehending the prophetic landscape of the end times is to recognize the specific, prominent nations that will be involved. In the Scriptures, these nations are depicted in allegorical form, and for literally thousands of years, students of the word of God have labored to discern the identity and meaning of the four beasts (Daniel 7), the elements of Nebuchadnezzar’s image (Daniel 2), and the seven heads of the Dragon (Revelation 17). Many speculations and interpretations continue to be made, yet to this day, there is still a great amount of uncertainty regarding these prophecies. The Time of the End I provided the Scriptural foundation for a 10 ½ year timeline of the last days, and like the border pieces of a puzzle, this new perspective has provided new insight into the broader picture of prophecy. The Time of the End II sheds light upon and unlocks the concealed identifications of the Lion, the Bear, and the Leopard (Daniel 7), the feet and toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s image (Daniel 2), the seven heads of the Dragon, and how those nations relate to the four horns (Zechariah 1), the four carpenters (Zechariah 1), the four horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6), and the movements throughout history of Mystery Babylon (Revelation 17). Like its predecessor, The Time of the End II confidently rearranges some of the more popular and accepted ‘puzzle pieces’ of prophecy, and emerges with a notably different picture, one that is far more consistent with a literal interpretation of the Scriptures.
Impacts of IFPRIs Priorities for Pro-poor Public Investment Global Research Program
Author: Renkow, Mitch
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN:
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 72
Book Description
This report assesses the impact of the International Food Policy Research Institutes (IFPRI) Global Research Program on Priorities for Public Investment in Agriculture and Rural Areas (GRP-3). Initiated in 1998, the stated objectives of the research program were (1) to increase public investment for rural areas and the agricultural sector given that there is an underspending in the sector and (2) to better target and improve efficiency of public resources to achieve these growth and poverty reduction goals, as well as other development goals. GRP-3 evolved out of research on the impacts of alternative types of public spending on income and poverty outcomes in India and China that was conducted by staff of IFPRIs Environment and Production Technology Division (later the Development Strategy and Governance Division). Those studies indicated that public investments in infrastructurein particular, investments in roads, agricultural research and development (R&D), and educationyielded sizeable marginal benefits in terms of poverty alleviation and income generation in rural areas. This line of research was later expanded to encompass a number of countries in Africa and, to a lesser extent, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. A second major (and ongoing) thrust of the program is to support African governments in establishing public investment priorities and strategies for promoting rural economic growth and poverty alleviation. Major activities undertaken include providing analytical and institutional support to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and evaluations of individual publicly-funded programs in several African countries. GRP-3 has generated an impressive array of published outputs. The great bulk of these emerged from the research conducted in India and China. A much smaller number of published outputs have been generated by the (more recently conducted) research in Africa; however, a substantial number of papers, book manuscripts, and monographs are in various stages of the publication process. Other important program outputs include a variety of public expenditure databases suitable for assessing the nature and effects of individual countries spending priorities. GRP-3 research has had substantial influence on public expenditure priorities in India and China. Most notably, published research in India played a key role in the institution of the Rural Roads Program that directed huge sums toward construction of roads connecting large numbers of previously unserved villages. Quantitative assessment of the positive impacts from these road investments indicates that IFPRI research can reasonably take substantial credit for lifting tens of thousands of individuals out of poverty and increasing agricultural GDP by billions of rupees. Additionally, in both China and India, GRP-3 research has influenced recent policy conversations that have led to increased spending on agricultural R&D and education. Overall, the program has substantially met its stated objectives in Asia. GRP-3 research in Africa has yet to fully meet the programs objectives, in large part because the policymaking process in the countries where IFPRI has been active are still not far enough advanced for the research outputs to have translated into actual policies. Still, some important outcomes have emerged: The work IFPRI has conducted in support of CAADP has successfully shepherded 19 countries through the Compact process. However, the Compacts are intermediate products; it remains to be seen the extent to which governments follow through on the plans contained within them. IFPRIs compilations of disparate public expenditure data in a large number of countries represent a useful local public good for use by research and practitioner communities outside of IFPRI. In addition, IFPRIs role in guiding the formation and operation of a regional strategic assessment and knowledge support system (ReSAKSS) has boosted, if not created, institutional capacity for future monitoring and evaluation activities. Research on the impact of public investments in the agricultural sector has been useful to the donor community by providing empirical backstopping for ongoing policy dialogues with governments. However, the difficultand often contentiouspolitical environment in which those dialogues occur has meant that policy outcomes are still materializing (and far from certain).
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN:
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 72
Book Description
This report assesses the impact of the International Food Policy Research Institutes (IFPRI) Global Research Program on Priorities for Public Investment in Agriculture and Rural Areas (GRP-3). Initiated in 1998, the stated objectives of the research program were (1) to increase public investment for rural areas and the agricultural sector given that there is an underspending in the sector and (2) to better target and improve efficiency of public resources to achieve these growth and poverty reduction goals, as well as other development goals. GRP-3 evolved out of research on the impacts of alternative types of public spending on income and poverty outcomes in India and China that was conducted by staff of IFPRIs Environment and Production Technology Division (later the Development Strategy and Governance Division). Those studies indicated that public investments in infrastructurein particular, investments in roads, agricultural research and development (R&D), and educationyielded sizeable marginal benefits in terms of poverty alleviation and income generation in rural areas. This line of research was later expanded to encompass a number of countries in Africa and, to a lesser extent, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. A second major (and ongoing) thrust of the program is to support African governments in establishing public investment priorities and strategies for promoting rural economic growth and poverty alleviation. Major activities undertaken include providing analytical and institutional support to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and evaluations of individual publicly-funded programs in several African countries. GRP-3 has generated an impressive array of published outputs. The great bulk of these emerged from the research conducted in India and China. A much smaller number of published outputs have been generated by the (more recently conducted) research in Africa; however, a substantial number of papers, book manuscripts, and monographs are in various stages of the publication process. Other important program outputs include a variety of public expenditure databases suitable for assessing the nature and effects of individual countries spending priorities. GRP-3 research has had substantial influence on public expenditure priorities in India and China. Most notably, published research in India played a key role in the institution of the Rural Roads Program that directed huge sums toward construction of roads connecting large numbers of previously unserved villages. Quantitative assessment of the positive impacts from these road investments indicates that IFPRI research can reasonably take substantial credit for lifting tens of thousands of individuals out of poverty and increasing agricultural GDP by billions of rupees. Additionally, in both China and India, GRP-3 research has influenced recent policy conversations that have led to increased spending on agricultural R&D and education. Overall, the program has substantially met its stated objectives in Asia. GRP-3 research in Africa has yet to fully meet the programs objectives, in large part because the policymaking process in the countries where IFPRI has been active are still not far enough advanced for the research outputs to have translated into actual policies. Still, some important outcomes have emerged: The work IFPRI has conducted in support of CAADP has successfully shepherded 19 countries through the Compact process. However, the Compacts are intermediate products; it remains to be seen the extent to which governments follow through on the plans contained within them. IFPRIs compilations of disparate public expenditure data in a large number of countries represent a useful local public good for use by research and practitioner communities outside of IFPRI. In addition, IFPRIs role in guiding the formation and operation of a regional strategic assessment and knowledge support system (ReSAKSS) has boosted, if not created, institutional capacity for future monitoring and evaluation activities. Research on the impact of public investments in the agricultural sector has been useful to the donor community by providing empirical backstopping for ongoing policy dialogues with governments. However, the difficultand often contentiouspolitical environment in which those dialogues occur has meant that policy outcomes are still materializing (and far from certain).
The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1)
Author: Tui T. Sutherland
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 0545443172
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 408
Book Description
A thrilling new series soars above the competition and redefines middle-grade fantasy fiction for a new generation!The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy -- a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice.Five dragonets are collected to fulfill the prophecy, raised in a hidden cave and enlisted, against their will, to end the terrible war.But not every dragonet wants a destiny. And when the select five escape their underground captors to look for their original homes, what has been unleashed on the dragon world may be far more than the revolutionary planners intended . . .
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 0545443172
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 408
Book Description
A thrilling new series soars above the competition and redefines middle-grade fantasy fiction for a new generation!The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy -- a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice.Five dragonets are collected to fulfill the prophecy, raised in a hidden cave and enlisted, against their will, to end the terrible war.But not every dragonet wants a destiny. And when the select five escape their underground captors to look for their original homes, what has been unleashed on the dragon world may be far more than the revolutionary planners intended . . .
The Dragon, Image, and Demon
Author: Hampden C. DuBose
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Buddhism
Languages : en
Pages : 476
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Buddhism
Languages : en
Pages : 476
Book Description
The Dragon’S Beasts
Author: Fred A. Wilson
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1524577707
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
The book of Daniel 2 reveals by symbols the successive empires/kingdoms of the world with a statue of a human figure of a head of gold, chest of silver, thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet of a mixture of clay and iron. Daniel 7, which describes four beasts (a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a terrible beast with ten horns), covers the same period in world history as in chapter 2. While the king of Babylon saw the majestic power and grandeur of the Gentile empire/kingdoms, Prophet Daniel saw their real character, beastly conduct, wicked rule, and profligate government. All the beasts (empire/kingdoms) were destroyed by the Messiah, Immanuel (the Stone), who the builders of the nations of man rejected and who is the cornerstone of the holy nation of believers. Revelation 12 describes the great dragon thrown down, the age-old serpent that is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. This usurping dragon would form successive compacts with mankind for the dominion of the earth. Revelation 13 shows the final compact between the nations of man and the man of sin, Satan (the dragons beasts), engulfing even the holy people (Israel, the churchthe woman on the beast in Revelation 17). When the stone finally destroyed the lawless kings of the nations/kingdoms, their rule was dispersed to the lots of nation-states created by the common peoplethe rule of commoners. These are the nation-states of democratically elected commoners. Revelation 13 (and 17) shows the rebellion and apostasy of our Christendom/Queendom of Babylon, the great nation-states of man setting themselves up against the son of man, Immanuel. Why the stone is about to crush Christendom of Babylon the great! And the stone that smote the image became a great mountain or rock and filled the whole earth (Daniel 2:3435). Yes, he is the rock of ages!
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1524577707
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 375
Book Description
The book of Daniel 2 reveals by symbols the successive empires/kingdoms of the world with a statue of a human figure of a head of gold, chest of silver, thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet of a mixture of clay and iron. Daniel 7, which describes four beasts (a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a terrible beast with ten horns), covers the same period in world history as in chapter 2. While the king of Babylon saw the majestic power and grandeur of the Gentile empire/kingdoms, Prophet Daniel saw their real character, beastly conduct, wicked rule, and profligate government. All the beasts (empire/kingdoms) were destroyed by the Messiah, Immanuel (the Stone), who the builders of the nations of man rejected and who is the cornerstone of the holy nation of believers. Revelation 12 describes the great dragon thrown down, the age-old serpent that is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. This usurping dragon would form successive compacts with mankind for the dominion of the earth. Revelation 13 shows the final compact between the nations of man and the man of sin, Satan (the dragons beasts), engulfing even the holy people (Israel, the churchthe woman on the beast in Revelation 17). When the stone finally destroyed the lawless kings of the nations/kingdoms, their rule was dispersed to the lots of nation-states created by the common peoplethe rule of commoners. These are the nation-states of democratically elected commoners. Revelation 13 (and 17) shows the rebellion and apostasy of our Christendom/Queendom of Babylon, the great nation-states of man setting themselves up against the son of man, Immanuel. Why the stone is about to crush Christendom of Babylon the great! And the stone that smote the image became a great mountain or rock and filled the whole earth (Daniel 2:3435). Yes, he is the rock of ages!
The Magickers Chronicles: Volume Two
Author: Emily Drake
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 110144410X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 635
Book Description
The final two novels of The Magickers series in a single volume The final battle between the Magickers, who believe in using magic for good, and the Dark Hand, who want to use magic only for their own ends, has begun. Now it's up to Jason Adrian and the other children with "talent" to defeat the forces of darkness.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 110144410X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 635
Book Description
The final two novels of The Magickers series in a single volume The final battle between the Magickers, who believe in using magic for good, and the Dark Hand, who want to use magic only for their own ends, has begun. Now it's up to Jason Adrian and the other children with "talent" to defeat the forces of darkness.
Maiden to the Dragon Complete Box Set (Dragon Shifter Romance)
Author: Mac Flynn
Publisher: Crescent Moon Studios, Inc.
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1550
Book Description
The complete Maiden to the Dragon box set features all ten ebooks! Life comes knocking on Miriam Cait’s door as she’s whisked away from her normal life and into a land of fantasy and wonder. The downside is she’s mated to a handsome dragon lord, a ruler of one of the five realms. Most people wouldn’t see that as a downside, but Miriam has her own mind and she aims to keep it that way. Whether it’s fighting her scaly spouse or dodging everything from werewolves to fairies, she won’t back down in the face of danger. She’ll survive this new world with its strange customs, and along the way she’ll find love in the most obvious of places. KEYWORDS: new adult, mystery, paranormal, supernatural, fantasy, folklore, folktale, folk tale, legend, legends, myth, myths, action adventure, action, adventure, second chances, comedy, humor, horror, free, freebie, free book, free books, book, books, free ebook, ebook, free novel, rich, quick read, read, short, serial, series, college, funny, female protagonist, novel, secret, suspense, thriller, alpha male, literature, story, stories, hero, fiction, box, box set, boxed, boxed set, romance, free romance, free romance ebook, free romance ebooks, free romance book, free romance books, billionaire, wealthy, millionaire, women's fiction, racy, legal, free romance novel, free romance books, billionaire romance, seduction, sexy, sensual, urban, contemporary, 21st century, current, historical, past, demon, werewolf, shifter, shapeshifter, wolf, dark fantasy, vampire, undead, immortal, ghost, witch, sorcery, dragons, epic, elf, god, medieval, urban fantasy, dragon shifter romance, medieval paranormal romance, dragon wife, dragin
Publisher: Crescent Moon Studios, Inc.
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1550
Book Description
The complete Maiden to the Dragon box set features all ten ebooks! Life comes knocking on Miriam Cait’s door as she’s whisked away from her normal life and into a land of fantasy and wonder. The downside is she’s mated to a handsome dragon lord, a ruler of one of the five realms. Most people wouldn’t see that as a downside, but Miriam has her own mind and she aims to keep it that way. Whether it’s fighting her scaly spouse or dodging everything from werewolves to fairies, she won’t back down in the face of danger. She’ll survive this new world with its strange customs, and along the way she’ll find love in the most obvious of places. KEYWORDS: new adult, mystery, paranormal, supernatural, fantasy, folklore, folktale, folk tale, legend, legends, myth, myths, action adventure, action, adventure, second chances, comedy, humor, horror, free, freebie, free book, free books, book, books, free ebook, ebook, free novel, rich, quick read, read, short, serial, series, college, funny, female protagonist, novel, secret, suspense, thriller, alpha male, literature, story, stories, hero, fiction, box, box set, boxed, boxed set, romance, free romance, free romance ebook, free romance ebooks, free romance book, free romance books, billionaire, wealthy, millionaire, women's fiction, racy, legal, free romance novel, free romance books, billionaire romance, seduction, sexy, sensual, urban, contemporary, 21st century, current, historical, past, demon, werewolf, shifter, shapeshifter, wolf, dark fantasy, vampire, undead, immortal, ghost, witch, sorcery, dragons, epic, elf, god, medieval, urban fantasy, dragon shifter romance, medieval paranormal romance, dragon wife, dragin
The Cross and the Dragon, Or, Light in the Broad East
Author: Benjamin Couch Henry
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : China
Languages : en
Pages : 524
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : China
Languages : en
Pages : 524
Book Description
Maiden to the Dragon Series Box Set: Books 1-4 (Alpha Dragon Shifter Romance)
Author: Mac Flynn
Publisher: Crescent Moon Studios, Inc.
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 447
Book Description
Welcome to the first four books in the completed fantasy romance series Maiden to the Dragon, an adventure that will take your breath away. Life comes knocking on Miriam Cait’s door as she’s whisked away from her normal life and into a land of fantasy and wonder. The downside is she’s mated to a handsome dragon lord, a ruler of one of the five realms. Most people wouldn’t see that as a downside, but Miriam has her own mind and she aims to keep it that way. Whether it’s fighting her scaly spouse or dodging everything from werewolves to fairies, she won’t back down in the face of danger. She’ll survive this new world with its strange customs, and along the way she’ll find love in the most obvious of places. The Maiden to the Dragon books are part of a dragon shifter romance series set in a fantastical world that mirrors our own. Looking for other sensual dragon shifter reads? Try out some of my other series! Blood Dragon: play.google.com/store/books/details?id=ZARaDwAAQBAJ Dragon Bound: play.google.com/store/books/details?id=CWU9DwAAQBAJ Maiden to the Dragon: play.google.com/store/books/details?id=y6bgDQAAQBAJ KEYWORDS: new adult, mystery, paranormal, supernatural, fantasy, folklore, folktale, folk tale, legend, legends, myth, myths, action adventure, action, adventure, second chances, comedy, humor, horror, free, freebie, free book, free books, book, books, free ebook, ebook, free novel, rich, quick read, read, short, serial, series, college, funny, female protagonist, novel, secret, suspense, thriller, alpha male, literature, story, stories, hero, fiction, box, box set, boxed, boxed set, romance, free romance, free romance ebook, free romance ebooks, free romance book, free romance books, billionaire, wealthy, millionaire, women's fiction, racy, legal, free romance novel, free romance books, billionaire romance, seduction, sexy, sensual, urban, contemporary, 21st century, current, historical, past, demon, werewolf, shifter, shapeshifter, wolf, dark fantasy, vampire, undead, immortal, ghost, witch, sorcery, dragons, epic, elf, god, medieval, urban fantasy, dragon shifter romance, medieval paranormal romance, dragon wife, dragin
Publisher: Crescent Moon Studios, Inc.
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 447
Book Description
Welcome to the first four books in the completed fantasy romance series Maiden to the Dragon, an adventure that will take your breath away. Life comes knocking on Miriam Cait’s door as she’s whisked away from her normal life and into a land of fantasy and wonder. The downside is she’s mated to a handsome dragon lord, a ruler of one of the five realms. Most people wouldn’t see that as a downside, but Miriam has her own mind and she aims to keep it that way. Whether it’s fighting her scaly spouse or dodging everything from werewolves to fairies, she won’t back down in the face of danger. She’ll survive this new world with its strange customs, and along the way she’ll find love in the most obvious of places. The Maiden to the Dragon books are part of a dragon shifter romance series set in a fantastical world that mirrors our own. Looking for other sensual dragon shifter reads? Try out some of my other series! Blood Dragon: play.google.com/store/books/details?id=ZARaDwAAQBAJ Dragon Bound: play.google.com/store/books/details?id=CWU9DwAAQBAJ Maiden to the Dragon: play.google.com/store/books/details?id=y6bgDQAAQBAJ KEYWORDS: new adult, mystery, paranormal, supernatural, fantasy, folklore, folktale, folk tale, legend, legends, myth, myths, action adventure, action, adventure, second chances, comedy, humor, horror, free, freebie, free book, free books, book, books, free ebook, ebook, free novel, rich, quick read, read, short, serial, series, college, funny, female protagonist, novel, secret, suspense, thriller, alpha male, literature, story, stories, hero, fiction, box, box set, boxed, boxed set, romance, free romance, free romance ebook, free romance ebooks, free romance book, free romance books, billionaire, wealthy, millionaire, women's fiction, racy, legal, free romance novel, free romance books, billionaire romance, seduction, sexy, sensual, urban, contemporary, 21st century, current, historical, past, demon, werewolf, shifter, shapeshifter, wolf, dark fantasy, vampire, undead, immortal, ghost, witch, sorcery, dragons, epic, elf, god, medieval, urban fantasy, dragon shifter romance, medieval paranormal romance, dragon wife, dragin