Author: Peter Atkins
Publisher: peter atkins
ISBN:
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 38
Book Description
Life is short. You can, if you work hard and are lucky, get more of almost anything, but you can't get more time. Time only goes one way. The average American has a lifespan of less than 30,000 days. So how you choose to live matters. That's the topic of this book. I don't pretend to have all the answers. I'm still learning every day, and many of the good ideas here I've picked up from other people either directly or by reading. But this is what's worked for me. Like life, this book is short. Many books I read could communicate their ideas in fewer pages. So I've tried to be brief in line with the wise person who noted: "If I'd had more time I would have written a shorter letter". I don't think brevity implies lack of content. The concepts here have improved the quality of my life, and I hope they're useful to you as well. Using these concepts, I have created a life I love. My job doesn't feel like work. I love and respect the people with whom I spend time. And I'm also passionate about my life outside work. I've learned how to create a balance that makes me happy between work and other interests, including my family, friends and exercise. Sadly I think that's rare. And yet, while I know I'm lucky, most people can work towards those goals in their own lives. My interest in making the most of my life began when I was just starting college, but when I was in my mid-thirties a boss I admired died of cancer. He was young. He had a great wife; he had three young children; he had a fantastic career -- he had everything in life. He just didn't have enough time. So, while I'd often thought about how to get the most out of life, the death of someone so young and vital increased my sense of urgency to act on it. One of the things I've always wanted to do was to work for myself. As a result, I left an exciting job at Microsoft in 2001 amidst the Internet bust to found the investing firm I now run. It was hard to do, both financially and emotionally. When I left Microsoft, many people - friends, family, and even some of the press - thought I was deluding myself to start a fund focused on Internet-related companies during a market crash. A press quote from the time said: "Call him a little crazy. Call him a little nuts." I'd never seen that type of coverage before. And, in a sense, the press was right; the business wasn't easy to start. Fortunately, from a vantage point of ten years down the road, it's worked out quite well. A key part of my job is reading and thinking about a broad variety of topics. So writing this book was relatively easy. It's even easier to read. But, like many things in life, actually executing each day on these concepts is extremely difficult. With thanks to Thomas Edison, life is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Even so, I hope you have fun perspiring. Peter Atkins Seattle, WA December, 2010
Life Is Short And So Is This Book
Author: Peter Atkins
Publisher: peter atkins
ISBN:
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 38
Book Description
Life is short. You can, if you work hard and are lucky, get more of almost anything, but you can't get more time. Time only goes one way. The average American has a lifespan of less than 30,000 days. So how you choose to live matters. That's the topic of this book. I don't pretend to have all the answers. I'm still learning every day, and many of the good ideas here I've picked up from other people either directly or by reading. But this is what's worked for me. Like life, this book is short. Many books I read could communicate their ideas in fewer pages. So I've tried to be brief in line with the wise person who noted: "If I'd had more time I would have written a shorter letter". I don't think brevity implies lack of content. The concepts here have improved the quality of my life, and I hope they're useful to you as well. Using these concepts, I have created a life I love. My job doesn't feel like work. I love and respect the people with whom I spend time. And I'm also passionate about my life outside work. I've learned how to create a balance that makes me happy between work and other interests, including my family, friends and exercise. Sadly I think that's rare. And yet, while I know I'm lucky, most people can work towards those goals in their own lives. My interest in making the most of my life began when I was just starting college, but when I was in my mid-thirties a boss I admired died of cancer. He was young. He had a great wife; he had three young children; he had a fantastic career -- he had everything in life. He just didn't have enough time. So, while I'd often thought about how to get the most out of life, the death of someone so young and vital increased my sense of urgency to act on it. One of the things I've always wanted to do was to work for myself. As a result, I left an exciting job at Microsoft in 2001 amidst the Internet bust to found the investing firm I now run. It was hard to do, both financially and emotionally. When I left Microsoft, many people - friends, family, and even some of the press - thought I was deluding myself to start a fund focused on Internet-related companies during a market crash. A press quote from the time said: "Call him a little crazy. Call him a little nuts." I'd never seen that type of coverage before. And, in a sense, the press was right; the business wasn't easy to start. Fortunately, from a vantage point of ten years down the road, it's worked out quite well. A key part of my job is reading and thinking about a broad variety of topics. So writing this book was relatively easy. It's even easier to read. But, like many things in life, actually executing each day on these concepts is extremely difficult. With thanks to Thomas Edison, life is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Even so, I hope you have fun perspiring. Peter Atkins Seattle, WA December, 2010
Publisher: peter atkins
ISBN:
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 38
Book Description
Life is short. You can, if you work hard and are lucky, get more of almost anything, but you can't get more time. Time only goes one way. The average American has a lifespan of less than 30,000 days. So how you choose to live matters. That's the topic of this book. I don't pretend to have all the answers. I'm still learning every day, and many of the good ideas here I've picked up from other people either directly or by reading. But this is what's worked for me. Like life, this book is short. Many books I read could communicate their ideas in fewer pages. So I've tried to be brief in line with the wise person who noted: "If I'd had more time I would have written a shorter letter". I don't think brevity implies lack of content. The concepts here have improved the quality of my life, and I hope they're useful to you as well. Using these concepts, I have created a life I love. My job doesn't feel like work. I love and respect the people with whom I spend time. And I'm also passionate about my life outside work. I've learned how to create a balance that makes me happy between work and other interests, including my family, friends and exercise. Sadly I think that's rare. And yet, while I know I'm lucky, most people can work towards those goals in their own lives. My interest in making the most of my life began when I was just starting college, but when I was in my mid-thirties a boss I admired died of cancer. He was young. He had a great wife; he had three young children; he had a fantastic career -- he had everything in life. He just didn't have enough time. So, while I'd often thought about how to get the most out of life, the death of someone so young and vital increased my sense of urgency to act on it. One of the things I've always wanted to do was to work for myself. As a result, I left an exciting job at Microsoft in 2001 amidst the Internet bust to found the investing firm I now run. It was hard to do, both financially and emotionally. When I left Microsoft, many people - friends, family, and even some of the press - thought I was deluding myself to start a fund focused on Internet-related companies during a market crash. A press quote from the time said: "Call him a little crazy. Call him a little nuts." I'd never seen that type of coverage before. And, in a sense, the press was right; the business wasn't easy to start. Fortunately, from a vantage point of ten years down the road, it's worked out quite well. A key part of my job is reading and thinking about a broad variety of topics. So writing this book was relatively easy. It's even easier to read. But, like many things in life, actually executing each day on these concepts is extremely difficult. With thanks to Thomas Edison, life is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Even so, I hope you have fun perspiring. Peter Atkins Seattle, WA December, 2010
What is this thing called Knowledge?
Author: Duncan Pritchard
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134573677
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
What is knowledge? Where does it come from? What kinds of knowledge are there? Can we know anything at all? This lucid and engaging introduction grapples with these central questions in the theory of knowledge, offering a clear, non-partisan view of the main themes of epistemology. Both traditional issues and contemporary ideas are discussed in sixteen easily digestible chapters, each of which conclude with a useful summary of the main ideas discussed, study questions, annotated further reading and a guide to internet resources. Each chapter also features text boxes providing bite-sized summaries of key concepts and major philosophers, and clear and interesting examples are used throughout. The book concludes with an annotated guide to general introductions to epistemology, a glossary of key terms, and a summary of the main examples used in epistemology, This an ideal first textbook in the theory of knowledge for undergraduates coming to philosophy for the first time. The third edition has been revised and updated throughout and features two new chapters, on religious knowledge and scientific knowledge, as part of a whole new section on what kinds of knowledge there are. In addition, the text as a whole has been refreshed to keep it up to date with current developments.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134573677
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 233
Book Description
What is knowledge? Where does it come from? What kinds of knowledge are there? Can we know anything at all? This lucid and engaging introduction grapples with these central questions in the theory of knowledge, offering a clear, non-partisan view of the main themes of epistemology. Both traditional issues and contemporary ideas are discussed in sixteen easily digestible chapters, each of which conclude with a useful summary of the main ideas discussed, study questions, annotated further reading and a guide to internet resources. Each chapter also features text boxes providing bite-sized summaries of key concepts and major philosophers, and clear and interesting examples are used throughout. The book concludes with an annotated guide to general introductions to epistemology, a glossary of key terms, and a summary of the main examples used in epistemology, This an ideal first textbook in the theory of knowledge for undergraduates coming to philosophy for the first time. The third edition has been revised and updated throughout and features two new chapters, on religious knowledge and scientific knowledge, as part of a whole new section on what kinds of knowledge there are. In addition, the text as a whole has been refreshed to keep it up to date with current developments.
Autism Is... ?
Author: Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781475102710
Category : Autism in children
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Logan overhears his grandma tell her friend he has autism, and he asks her, "Autism is...'" She explains it to him in this beautifully illustrated story.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability that, according to new statistics released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 29, 2014, affects an estimated 1 out of 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) in the US alone. It is a spectrum disorder because its impact on development can range from mild to severe. The areas of development most affected are social interaction and communication skills, difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, and leisure play.Someone wisely said, "If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism." The characteristics are different with each unique individual, and so are the ways to interact, teach, and care for them.You may or may not wish to explain the term autism to your child at a young age, but if you do, I hope this book can help make it easier for you, as it did for me when explaining autism to Logan. His inquisitive mind wanted to know, and once he read this story, even before it was illustrated, he was satisfied with the answer.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781475102710
Category : Autism in children
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Logan overhears his grandma tell her friend he has autism, and he asks her, "Autism is...'" She explains it to him in this beautifully illustrated story.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability that, according to new statistics released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 29, 2014, affects an estimated 1 out of 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) in the US alone. It is a spectrum disorder because its impact on development can range from mild to severe. The areas of development most affected are social interaction and communication skills, difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, and leisure play.Someone wisely said, "If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism." The characteristics are different with each unique individual, and so are the ways to interact, teach, and care for them.You may or may not wish to explain the term autism to your child at a young age, but if you do, I hope this book can help make it easier for you, as it did for me when explaining autism to Logan. His inquisitive mind wanted to know, and once he read this story, even before it was illustrated, he was satisfied with the answer.
The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo - Literature Kit Gr. 1-2
Author: Lisa Renaud
Publisher: Classroom Complete Press
ISBN: 1771679654
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 61
Book Description
Find out what it's like to be the middle child and what it means to be able to stand out and feel special. Students gain a deeper understanding of their own mind to visualize what makes them unique. Sort words from the story as short a or long a vowels. Complete quotes from the story with their missing quotation marks. Recognize whether Freddy practiced for his part before or after he showed how well he could jump. Students draw their own interpretation of Freddy's costume for the play, and explain how it fits and some of its important details. Brainstorm things that would make a good play and things that would make a bad play. Students compare themselves to Freddy in a Venn Diagram graphic organizer. Aligned to your State Standards and written to Bloom's Taxonomy, additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. About the Novel: Freddy Dissel feels trapped between an older brother and younger sister. As the middle child, he feels neglected by everyone around him. He lost his room to his younger sister, and now shares with his older brother. He doesn't get new clothes of his own, but instead wears his brother's hand-me-downs. He is too young to play with his older brother, but too old to play with his younger sister. One day, Freddy learns of a school play and decides to try out for it. The only problem being, it's only for the fifth and sixth graders. But that doesn't stop Freddy. He lands a special part as the green kangaroo. Now Freddy can shine out front, no longer stuck in the middle.
Publisher: Classroom Complete Press
ISBN: 1771679654
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 61
Book Description
Find out what it's like to be the middle child and what it means to be able to stand out and feel special. Students gain a deeper understanding of their own mind to visualize what makes them unique. Sort words from the story as short a or long a vowels. Complete quotes from the story with their missing quotation marks. Recognize whether Freddy practiced for his part before or after he showed how well he could jump. Students draw their own interpretation of Freddy's costume for the play, and explain how it fits and some of its important details. Brainstorm things that would make a good play and things that would make a bad play. Students compare themselves to Freddy in a Venn Diagram graphic organizer. Aligned to your State Standards and written to Bloom's Taxonomy, additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included. About the Novel: Freddy Dissel feels trapped between an older brother and younger sister. As the middle child, he feels neglected by everyone around him. He lost his room to his younger sister, and now shares with his older brother. He doesn't get new clothes of his own, but instead wears his brother's hand-me-downs. He is too young to play with his older brother, but too old to play with his younger sister. One day, Freddy learns of a school play and decides to try out for it. The only problem being, it's only for the fifth and sixth graders. But that doesn't stop Freddy. He lands a special part as the green kangaroo. Now Freddy can shine out front, no longer stuck in the middle.
God, Is This My Man?
Author: Hilda A. Stephens
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1479710318
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 196
Book Description
Sheena Renee Jackson the high profile attorney is on an unbelievable journey. The move to Washington DC to open a new law firm is a simple task compared to the seven men Sheena meets along the way. It’s no doubt one case Sheena is having trouble winning. It is a matter of the heart and Sheena finds herself against the odds as she tries to find true love. Sheena is in a state of confusion and things change for the worst. Will Sheena find true love or will true love find Sheena? It all depends on the support from her four friends and the lessons learned along the way.
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1479710318
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 196
Book Description
Sheena Renee Jackson the high profile attorney is on an unbelievable journey. The move to Washington DC to open a new law firm is a simple task compared to the seven men Sheena meets along the way. It’s no doubt one case Sheena is having trouble winning. It is a matter of the heart and Sheena finds herself against the odds as she tries to find true love. Sheena is in a state of confusion and things change for the worst. Will Sheena find true love or will true love find Sheena? It all depends on the support from her four friends and the lessons learned along the way.
THERE IS POWER IN PRAISE
Author: GODSWORD GODSWILL ONU
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 1312975369
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
God is fearful in praises; and there is great power in praise! If you have done all you know to do without success, use the weapon of praise, and the result you will get will blow your mind! A classic example of the power of praise is when the people of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir came to battle with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. The Lord fought for them, as they sang and praised. But I want you to notice that it was not praises alone that secured the victory for them. Firstly, they fasted; secondly, they prayed; thirdly, they believed God; fourthly, they appointed holy and sanctified people to offer praises; and fifthly, they sang and praised.
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 1312975369
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
God is fearful in praises; and there is great power in praise! If you have done all you know to do without success, use the weapon of praise, and the result you will get will blow your mind! A classic example of the power of praise is when the people of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir came to battle with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. The Lord fought for them, as they sang and praised. But I want you to notice that it was not praises alone that secured the victory for them. Firstly, they fasted; secondly, they prayed; thirdly, they believed God; fourthly, they appointed holy and sanctified people to offer praises; and fifthly, they sang and praised.
Why Free Will Is Real
Author: Christian List
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674979583
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 225
Book Description
A crystal-clear, scientifically rigorous argument for the existence of free will, challenging what many scientists and scientifically minded philosophers believe. Philosophers have argued about the nature and the very existence of free will for centuries. Today, many scientists and scientifically minded commentators are skeptical that it exists, especially when it is understood to require the ability to choose between alternative possibilities. If the laws of physics govern everything that happens, they argue, then how can our choices be free? Believers in free will must be misled by habit, sentiment, or religious doctrine. Why Free Will Is Real defies scientific orthodoxy and presents a bold new defense of free will in the same naturalistic terms that are usually deployed against it. Unlike those who defend free will by giving up the idea that it requires alternative possibilities to choose from, Christian List retains this idea as central, resisting the tendency to defend free will by watering it down. He concedes that free will and its prerequisites—intentional agency, alternative possibilities, and causal control over our actions—cannot be found among the fundamental physical features of the natural world. But, he argues, that’s not where we should be looking. Free will is a “higher-level” phenomenon found at the level of psychology. It is like other phenomena that emerge from physical processes but are autonomous from them and not best understood in fundamental physical terms—like an ecosystem or the economy. When we discover it in its proper context, acknowledging that free will is real is not just scientifically respectable; it is indispensable for explaining our world.
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674979583
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 225
Book Description
A crystal-clear, scientifically rigorous argument for the existence of free will, challenging what many scientists and scientifically minded philosophers believe. Philosophers have argued about the nature and the very existence of free will for centuries. Today, many scientists and scientifically minded commentators are skeptical that it exists, especially when it is understood to require the ability to choose between alternative possibilities. If the laws of physics govern everything that happens, they argue, then how can our choices be free? Believers in free will must be misled by habit, sentiment, or religious doctrine. Why Free Will Is Real defies scientific orthodoxy and presents a bold new defense of free will in the same naturalistic terms that are usually deployed against it. Unlike those who defend free will by giving up the idea that it requires alternative possibilities to choose from, Christian List retains this idea as central, resisting the tendency to defend free will by watering it down. He concedes that free will and its prerequisites—intentional agency, alternative possibilities, and causal control over our actions—cannot be found among the fundamental physical features of the natural world. But, he argues, that’s not where we should be looking. Free will is a “higher-level” phenomenon found at the level of psychology. It is like other phenomena that emerge from physical processes but are autonomous from them and not best understood in fundamental physical terms—like an ecosystem or the economy. When we discover it in its proper context, acknowledging that free will is real is not just scientifically respectable; it is indispensable for explaining our world.
Psychoanalysis is an Antiphilosophy
Author: Justin Clemens
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
ISBN: 0748678964
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
Justin Clemens examines psychoanalysis under the rubric of 'antiphilosophy': a practice that offers the strongest possible challenges to thought. Drawing on the work of Badiou, Freud, Lacan, Zizek and Agamben, he examines the relationships of humans to dr
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
ISBN: 0748678964
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
Justin Clemens examines psychoanalysis under the rubric of 'antiphilosophy': a practice that offers the strongest possible challenges to thought. Drawing on the work of Badiou, Freud, Lacan, Zizek and Agamben, he examines the relationships of humans to dr
IS THE QURAN THE WORD OF GOD?
Author: Edward D. Andrews
Publisher: Christian Publishing House
ISBN: 1945757493
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 189
Book Description
IS THE QURAN THE WORD OF GOD? Is Islam the One True Faith? This book covers the worldview, practices, and history of Islam and the Quran. This book is designed as an apologetic evangelistic tool for Christians, as they come across Muslims in their daily lives, as well as to inform them, as a protection again the misleading media. The non-Muslims need to hear these truths about Islam and the Quran so they can have an accurate understanding of the Muslim mindset that leads to their actions. Islam is the second largest religion in the world. Radical Islam has taken the world by storm, and the “fake media” has genuinely misled their audience for the sake of political correctness. This book is not a dogmatic attack on Islam and the Quran but rather an uncovering of the lies and describing of the truths. The reader will be introduced to the most helpful way of viewing the evidence objectively. We will answer the question of whether the Quran is a literary miracle, as well as is there evidence that the Quran is inspired by God, along with is the Quran harmonious and consistent, and is the Quran from God or man? We will also examine Islamic teachings, discuss the need to search for the truth, as well as identify the book of truth. We will look at how Islam views the Bible. Finally, we will take up the subjects of Shariah Law, the rise of radical Islam, Islamic eschatology, and how to effectively witness to Muslims.
Publisher: Christian Publishing House
ISBN: 1945757493
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 189
Book Description
IS THE QURAN THE WORD OF GOD? Is Islam the One True Faith? This book covers the worldview, practices, and history of Islam and the Quran. This book is designed as an apologetic evangelistic tool for Christians, as they come across Muslims in their daily lives, as well as to inform them, as a protection again the misleading media. The non-Muslims need to hear these truths about Islam and the Quran so they can have an accurate understanding of the Muslim mindset that leads to their actions. Islam is the second largest religion in the world. Radical Islam has taken the world by storm, and the “fake media” has genuinely misled their audience for the sake of political correctness. This book is not a dogmatic attack on Islam and the Quran but rather an uncovering of the lies and describing of the truths. The reader will be introduced to the most helpful way of viewing the evidence objectively. We will answer the question of whether the Quran is a literary miracle, as well as is there evidence that the Quran is inspired by God, along with is the Quran harmonious and consistent, and is the Quran from God or man? We will also examine Islamic teachings, discuss the need to search for the truth, as well as identify the book of truth. We will look at how Islam views the Bible. Finally, we will take up the subjects of Shariah Law, the rise of radical Islam, Islamic eschatology, and how to effectively witness to Muslims.
Every Sky is Not Blue
Author: Vishal Sharma
Publisher: Zorba Books
ISBN: 9387456161
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 181
Book Description
The following collection of stories capture the quirks and eccentricities of everyday life. The author deftly moves between descriptions of life-changing events and moments of playfulness. Although, the characters often have to face difficult situations and make tough choices, they follow their heart. The diverse stories in this book are filled with wonder, excitement,curiosity, and intense emotions. Padmavati trusts her astrologer, but his predictions don’t always turn out to be true. In an unexpected twist, the astrologer is forced to acknowledge the failings of his craft. A son is forced to choose between his wife and his old mother. Who does he choose and is he happy with the outcome? A young woman comes into her own, as she moves away to study abroad, leaving her family behind.A Kashmiri boy leaves his family to join the ranks of militants and gets killed by the security forces. How does his family cope up with the choice he’s made? What does a family living close to India-Pakistan border go through when it is forced by severe cross border shelling to migrate to a makeshift camp in the hinterland in severe winter? These stories are a rollercoaster ride of love and laughter, misery and loss, acceptance and escape. These stories are about the choices that define human struggles and enable, in the process, the protagonists to find greater meaning and purpose in life. They focus on the dark and the beautiful, right and wrong, black and white, and all shades of grey in between. They are a tribute to the human spirit, an ode to the tireless struggles of ordinary men and women.
Publisher: Zorba Books
ISBN: 9387456161
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 181
Book Description
The following collection of stories capture the quirks and eccentricities of everyday life. The author deftly moves between descriptions of life-changing events and moments of playfulness. Although, the characters often have to face difficult situations and make tough choices, they follow their heart. The diverse stories in this book are filled with wonder, excitement,curiosity, and intense emotions. Padmavati trusts her astrologer, but his predictions don’t always turn out to be true. In an unexpected twist, the astrologer is forced to acknowledge the failings of his craft. A son is forced to choose between his wife and his old mother. Who does he choose and is he happy with the outcome? A young woman comes into her own, as she moves away to study abroad, leaving her family behind.A Kashmiri boy leaves his family to join the ranks of militants and gets killed by the security forces. How does his family cope up with the choice he’s made? What does a family living close to India-Pakistan border go through when it is forced by severe cross border shelling to migrate to a makeshift camp in the hinterland in severe winter? These stories are a rollercoaster ride of love and laughter, misery and loss, acceptance and escape. These stories are about the choices that define human struggles and enable, in the process, the protagonists to find greater meaning and purpose in life. They focus on the dark and the beautiful, right and wrong, black and white, and all shades of grey in between. They are a tribute to the human spirit, an ode to the tireless struggles of ordinary men and women.