Future Books

"One of the most evocative images in the whole genre of the mind, body and spirit subjects--and of mysticism itself--is that of the gifted seer contemplating the depths of a crystal ball." - Titania Hardie

Individuals have sought answers from within or from the realm of spirit for thousands of years. One of the most ancient forms of divination, called scrying, employs the use of substances or objects with shiny surfaces, such as molten metal, ink, water, or glass. Whether though a light meditative trance state or via 6th sense function such as clairaudience and clairvoyance, seekers of wisdom consulted such objects from every culture.

Crystallomancy, a form of scrying using crystals or glass, is arguably one of the most easily recognized forms of divination, especially in the form of a crystal ball. Suggesting an infinite realm of possibilities and a cache of treasured insights, the image of crystal balls enchants children and adults alike. Through literature, movies, and television, wizards, witches, and fortunetellers are often shown gazing hopefully into a glistening orb--presumably to discern the future. In fact, crystal ball gazing figures prominently in one of the Harry Potter films!

For those who scry on a regular basis, the experience isn't quite so sensational. However, crystal gazing *can* be a wonderful way to access your subconscious, call on internal wisdom, and enter a mindful state through meditation.

An excellent kit for beginners, Titania's Crystal Ball by Titania Hardie includes a glass orb, round wood stand, and 64-page companion book. The "crystal ball" is a bit bigger than a golf ball, but smaller than a baseball. The circular wooden stand (imagine a thin donut) safely nestles the ball during meditation. Of course, you can use your own stand or cloth to keep the orb in place, but it's great that this kit happens to come with one!

The companion book serves as thorough introduction to crystallomancy, and Titania's knowledgeable yet empathetic approach encourages beginner scryers to experiment gently while learning how to use this unique tool. She explains theories of crystal gazing, as well as how to create a relaxed atmosphere and induce a meditative state. Titania also describes how to "cleanse" and charge the orb, and what to expect during your first attempts and crystal gazing.

In the companion book to Titania's Crystal Ball, the author also elaborates on the meanings of colors, objects, and images. For example, seeing small birds such as robins or sparrows may suggest activity, while flowers often presage invitations or new beginners in a love affair. Fruits may indicate time well spent, while books suggest study or the need to learn something.

Titania also provides additional ideas for using your crystal ball:

1. Meeting your spirit guide
2. Trying astral travel
3. Creating positive energy
4. Aspiring to a generous, higher consciousness

She also advocates keeping a diary or journal for recording your progress, insights, and readings. Looking back, she says, will likely astonish you when you realize what you've seen!

My husband bought Titania's Crystal Ball for me several years ago, for Christmas. He knew I always wanted one and it was *perfect*! Personally, I don't use it for scrying--it's not my preferred method of divination--but it's *fantastic* for meditation, especially when gazing at it with dim background light or candles. I keep my crystal ball on its wooden stand, which sits on a satin ice blue cloth next to a brass statue of Ganesh. I use this arrangement as an "altar" of sorts, sometimes placing Tarot or oracle card behind the orb.

This new version of Titania's Crystal Ball seems to be produced by another publisher, but I'm almost positive that the blue satin cloth I use for mine came *with* the kit (my husband seems to think so, too). However, it's possible that I'm incorrect, so assume that your crystal ball set will NOT come with a cloth.

Whether you use this kit for divination, meditation, decoration, or devotion (as in altars or rituals), Titania's Crystal Ball provides a truly lovely orb, stand, and guidebook for each of these purposes.

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

I was very pleased with the packaging. The crystal ball is made of real glass and very clear. It came in a nice firm box. The bottom of the box was cover with a black shiny material. It also has a wooden stand if you'd like to place it on your desktop. The book was short, easy to read and easy to understand. It gives enough information to get you started.
For the price, this set is a good value. I would've loved to have a more indepth book, but this one is wonderful for beginningers.

I've just received Titania's crystal ball and I am convinced it was a worthwhile investment. I now have another favorite to my collection and cannot wait to work with it more. Thank you for such an amazing object!

I am so grateful for the stories shared by all those wonderful people in the book Transitions of the Soul. A friend told me about the book, because I was having such a hard time getting over the sudden death of my boyfriend. I remember searching everwhere for support, words of wisdom, even from our Archbishop, I just came up empty handed and empty hearted until I read this book. I related to many of the stories and was even touched by those that I didn't. I cannot tell you how the fog has lifted and now I feel I can go on and enjoy the life that I still have. Thank you is not enough. I want to buy a copy for every broken heart I know.

Never dreamed I'd find my heartbreak in print. Didn't know how it could help anyone but I was compelled to write my story. It truly re-affirms we are all in this life together, my pain is your pain, my joy is your joy shared. You are never alone. LOL Claire

Angelic intervention changed Nick Bunick's life forever in 1995. Since then he's been devoted to spiritual and humanitarian activities, including writing about his experiences. His latest endeavor, Transitions of the Soul, is a collection of true stories from people who've had contact with deceased loved ones.

All the stories reinforce the idea that the soul does not die, but lives on in peace and happiness. Bunick says that "perhaps the most important discovery I have made is that there is no such thing as death. Death is only a transition of our spirits and souls from the confinement of our physical bodies into the spiritual world."

Those who offer comfort from the other side do so in different ways. To reflect this, Bunick has divided the book into five parts: Visitations; Angels; Sights, Smells, and Sounds; Dreams; and Extraordinary Personal Stories. Each part includes a collection of stories told by ordinary people in their words of how they learned the soul continues on after the body dies.

Bunick "brings us a cure of the grieving heart and a balm for the universal fear of dying." Transitions of the Soul will provide comfort and inspiration to all who read it.

As a teacher at a continuation high school, I connected intensely with the realities and considerations Noguera presents in this book. He articulates the reality of Black and Latino youth in Berkeley schools, which resembles that of such youth in many other urban districts in America, without over-assuming or sensationalizing the issues. Confronted with conflicting images and perspectives on what they should become in life, these youth are caught in a conundrum. He addresses culture, social structures and educational agendas as he calls for schools to assume responsibility for ALL students' academic outcomes rather than expecting failure as an inevitable end for many.

Noguera demonstrates that the implications of this so-called "trouble" are far-reaching, including when he honestly shares the story of his son Joaquin. I especially appreciate his unique take on the issues as an accomplished academic, a former school board member and a parent. Overall, Noguera's passion is undeniable as he gives a voice to the voiceless in urban America.

This is a great book- in fact our Assistant Superintendent is using it this year for a book study with our Secondary (Middle & High School) Principals.

Once again Noguera is at his best in giving the readers something powerful to think about. I recommend this book to everyone who is serious about making a difference in the lives of Black males.

Dr. Ahmes Askia
Atlanta, GA

This book is very well thought and written. For a beginner in the credit market this book is an excellent approach. Its a grt read and I am truely satisfied.

A very good introduction to credit derivatives at the level of
"J.C.Hull - Options, Futures...", as remarked by a reviewer.

This book is also at the level of, but better than the recent text
"Credit Derivatives - A primer on credit risk..." by Chacko et al.


The chapters are short (less than 10 pages mostly),
well organized, clear, gives a good overview, just enough mathematics
and simple numerical examples to fix ideas.

1. Part 1 is chapter 1 to 3, introducing credit derivative (CD) market
and uses of CD.

2. Part 2 is chapter 4 to 14, each describing a type of CD.
Each chapter describing that CD is organized as

a. How does it work ?
b. Common uses.
c. Valuation
d. Variations of the basic structure

3. Part 3 is chapter 15 to 18, describing basic elements of credit risk
modeling like valuing defaultable bonds, CDS premium to hazard rates,
structural/reduced form modeling etc.

4. Part 4 is chapter 19 to 23, addressing valuations of portfolio credit
risk (baskets default swaps, portfolio swaps, CDO's ..)

5. Part 5 is chapter 24 & 25 giving CD documentation/regulatory issues.

This book provides an outstanding overview of credit derivatives. Additionally, Antulio Bomfim is able to convey information about a complex product in a manner that is easily understood by the reader.

I have taken many of Dr. Routman's classes specifically because he was teaching them. He is the reason I chose to major in sociology - I just couldn't get enough of his lectures. It has been 10 years since I have seen him and yet I still think of him at least weekly. He is quite captivating. Anyone who is breathing will like this book.

Routman is a master at getting to the root of an issue and explaining it in attention-grabbing detail. An incredibly fascinating book for anyone interested in politics!

I was a student of Dr. Routman's many years ago and very much enjoyed his classes and the perspectives he offered. Since I am currently employed in State Service and seeking my MPPA, I thought it would be nice to refresh my political enlightment. This book was everything I hoped it would be as it reminded me of how I formed my opinions so many years ago and offered a few new perspectives that will help me in the future.

For the political insider, this book is probably oversimplified for your taste but still offers some merit. It is a refreshing return to the very basics of politics and political ideals. If you are running for office, it is a must read as it will identify the current state of the average American's political thinking.

This book is geared towards the average college undergraduate and written with the short attention spans of today's youth in mind. Notations and references are saved until the end of the book as not to distract from the reader's attention. I would not, however, let age be an indicator as to who this book is appropriate for. If you are new to politics or have never given it much thought, this book is a must read. Here are a few indicators that this book is right for you:

1. If you think of Democrats and Republicans in terms of their stand on taxes.

2. If you have never voted.

3. If you have not voted for someone because it was said that they supported taxation.

4. If your opinion of candidates is based solely on whether they are classified as liberals or conservatives. (These terms are treated to the best definitions I have seen yet)

5. If you don't know or are not sure what a radical or a reactionary is.

6. If you cannot read a news article or listen to a broadcast about political candidates and be able to pick out the bias in their logic.

7. If you do not understand what "progressive taxation" is.

If any of these questions apply to you, this is a cheap fix. It won't completey make you politically literate but it will put you on the road to recovery. At the very least, by the end, you will be able to develop your own political philosophy and pick your candidates in the future by how well they meet your ideals and not because they have the best ads or because the media says so.

Twenty plus years ago I moved back to Minneapolis after living there for 16 years. Two of my friends were prospering in every area of their lives compared to most of my other friends that were stuck where they were when I left many years before. These two did not know each other, but when I asked how they had accomplished so much since I had left, I found the same answer coming from both - they had gone through the Executive Futures program (now Unlimited Futures). They urged me to call Bobbie Stevens and her husband Dean Portinga and meet with them. Of course I was suspicious, but called them and set up an appointment to meet. With no intention of signing up for anything (I didn't have any money), I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at a beautiful house in the woods, rang the doorbell, and when the door opened be warmly greeted by Dean, a trim, towering man with a smile the width of his face and wearing what I would later come to realize was his daily wardrobe - a sweat suit. Behind him was a huge live tree in the middle of the house. Meeting Bobbie was no different, other than her being about a foot and a half shorter than Dean. She's not short, Dean's just really tall. They talked a little about the program (actually, they wanted to talk more about me). I finally worked up the courage to tell them I didn't have any money to take their course. Dean just laughed and said "sounds like all the more reason to get started. The money part will take care of itself". It did. Now there's a book. I cherish my signed copy. I can only say that, knowing Bobbie and Dean for all these years, this book was not written to make them rich, but out of a decades old desire to help people become all that they can become. There are thousands just like me located in every corner of the world. Many whose names you would recognize. Unfortunately, Bobbie and Dean are a bigger secret than the book and DVD, "The Secret". I didn't need to read it or watch it. From what I've read and heard, it's a small part of the real secret - Bobbie Stevens and Dean Portinga.

finally! It's about time someone tells us how to get from point A to point B instead of just saying we can get there! This book is for anyone who realizes that we have more control over our dreams than we think and wants to create thier own dreams.

This book seems to be one of those treasures no one's ever heard of - which is too bad because it is essentially a masterpiece that should be in everyone's library. If only Oprah would read it, I'm certain she would be blown away and have Bobbie on her program straight away. Why? Because it's not just a bunch of ideas about manifestation - it is a complete process the author has lived through - as she explains step by step in the most entertaining and complete way I've ever come across. No BS, this is the real deal.

The author clearly explains her entire amazing manesfestation process, how she discovered it, how it worked for her (in miraculous ways), how it has worked for others - and how it can work for you. Now the thing is, and this seems to be the crucial step that is missing from all those Law of Attraction books, the process includes a daily stretching routine (they are actually movements to stimulate endocrine glands) followed by meditation in order to reduce stress to the central nervous system - not unlike Qigong in some respects. By doing this, you effectively open a bridge to your intuition and manisfestation abilities.

Honestly, I've read probably hundreds of books on metaphysics and the like over the past 20 years and I would place this book in the top 5 without hesitation. It is not esoteric at all, it is extremely practical - and thorough. And it's a great read - her story is nothing short of fascinating. I just hope someone stumbles upon this review and decides to purchase the book - because they will be so happy the did.

This book is an accurate reflection of our society. People may not want to admit what they are to themselves or anyone else, but everyone will see themselves somewhere in this book. Learn from all it has to offer and it can change your life forever. I found this the most useful and imformative book I have read in the past 30 years. I live by what it has taught me everyday. What it taught me has enabled me to value all life experiences to the fullest and make each experience into a positive one. It teaches you how to live each day in touch with eternity, love and complete inner contentment. It can give you awareness, strength and courage to be yourself. This book can help you to examine your inner most self and make changes that help not only you but all others you come in contact with. If taken to heart, this book could change the world one person at a time. I wish this book had been available many years ago. Never has a book had more impact on my life than "Values, Violence and Our Future" has. I patiently await more books from this author. Do it again Acquaviva!

This book is an accurate reflection of our society. People may not want to admit what they are to themselves or anyone else, but everyone will see themselves somewhere in this book. Learn from all it has to offer and it can change your life forever. I found this the most useful and imformative book I have read in the past 30 years. I live by what it has taught me everyday. What it taught me has enabled me to value all life experiences to the fullest and make each experience into a positive one. It teaches you how to live each day in touch with eternity, love and complete inner contentment. It can give you awareness, strength and courage to be yourself. This book can help you to examine your inner most self and make changes that help not only you but all others you come in contact with. If taken to heart, this book could change the world one person at a time. I wish this book had been available many years ago. Never has a book had more impact on my life than "Values, Violence and Our Future" has. I patiently await more books from this author. Do it again Acquaviva!

We found this book inspriational and offering hope for humanity. It is written in a very informal style and overall is very easy to follow. Examples not only from the author's reasearch but from his own life are interspersed throughout and give the book a personal feel. We liked the logical progression the author takes through the course of the text. Threads can be seen from such varied sources as the "Bible", "The Power of Myth", and various interpretations of quatum mechanics. A must read for anyone concerned about the present and future state of humans affairs.

As my parents aged and needed more assistance to help them cope with life's daily issues, all of us who loved them wanted to help them to be comforatable and happy. We cared. Often, however, we did not know how to be helpful. Sometimes our well-intended words or deeds were not helpful. This wonderful book, helps us to think about those who will care for us. Now is the time for us to let them know, while we are well-enough and clear enough to put our future needs and wants into words. If we care about those who will care for us, we will help them today so that they can be helpful tomorrow.

Please read WHO CARES by Dee Marrella as soon as you can, particularly if you are now
happy and healthy . . . it is a step-by-step handbook, in which
you get to provide your future caregivers with information about
your needs and wishes.

Whether you like it or not, most of us will need assistance
some time in our life . . . this book gives you the opportunity
to decide what you want, as opposed to having somebody
else make these decisions for you.

It should be completed by those living alone in cities away
from family, adults with children, older adults before serious
illness, and anyone in the early stages of Alzheimer's
or other serious and other potentially fatal diseases.

WHO CARES will show you how to actually write a letter
to your future caregivers and what to include in it . . . I liked
the many suggestions it gave, including the one to give
providers information on what you both like (including ice
cream!) and dislike . . . instructions are even given on how
to share what you have learned in life.

There were many useful tidbits of information I gained from
reading this book; among them:

* When you come to visit, please don't tell me you can't stay
very long. That tells me that you are there because of obligation.
Truthfully, in that case, I would rather you stay away and get
whatever is rushing you out of the way. Just come and see me when
you can spend quality time holding my hand, talking to me seeing
that I am okay. I say all of the above with love and understanding--not
with anger.

* In large decisions in life, decide what is in your heart. Do not just
think with your head.

* Do not do anything you would not be proud to have your children
do in the future. They are watching

* Never measure what you do for each other. Give with your whole
heart when a family member is in need.

Lastly, there's this idea that I wished I had thought of when my
mother-in-law was alive:

* Leave a few dollars to that a pizza can be ordered or some
other special treat. (Some patients met as a group and did this
weekly in the nursing home.)

THIS BOOK HAS BEEN WRITTEN FROM THE HEART, A TRUE TO LIFE EXPERIENCE INVOLVING A LOVING WOMEN WITH HER AGING MOTHER..
THIS BOOK IS A MUST FOR WOMEN AND ALSO MEN OVER THE AGE OF 40....
IT WILL RELEIVE YOUR MIND AND LIGHTEN YOUR HEART..AS A WOMEN OVER 65 YEARS, I WISH THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN WHEN MY PARENTS WERE ALIVE...THANK YOU DEE, YOU HAVE WRITTEN A DIARY TO HELP ALL OF THE CHILDREN AND CAREGIVERS OF THE WORLD A BETTER WAY TO HANDLE A UNPLEASANT SITUATION WE ALL HAVE TO EXPERIENCE...

This book explains the concepts of "Who, what, where, why, when" simply and directly. It is a captivating little book that my children enjoyed and asked for over and over. It is helpful for kids who have a speech and language deficit, problems processing information, or just for young kids who don't understand the difference in these words. This book is highly recommended for children who are on the autism spectrum.

We read this to every neighborhood child who comes to our house! It has also become a favorite baby shower gift and birthday party gift. The illustrations keep even the most distractable child's attention and the story is great! There are at least two others in the series!

This is a very cute story of a boy searching for his shoe. It is so much fun that kids wont even realize they might be learning something. This book finds a creative way to help kids get the concepts of who, what, when and where.

As an author myself, I highly recommend that you purchase this book. "Worlds in Collision" is an enlightening resource, towards the realization of European Cultural will towards domination, etc. I got my copy.
Author. "Knowledge For Tomorrow" Quinton D. Crawford

1. Edmund Burke said, "No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear"
2. The terrorist had beliefs that gave their lives meaning though what those beliefs were remain contested, theoretically, psychologically, and politically.
3. Some security measures should be taken, for many terrorist are beyond both appeasement and deterrence, but if terrorism is simply matched by escalating violence, then fear will be sovereign in world affairs, and the terrorist will have won some sort of victory.
4. In traditional war, victory is assured by the occupying of ground; in a global war against terrorism not only has territory to be occupied in some sense globally, but also hearts and minds have to be won over.
5. Terror networks need more than weapons: they also need bases, and this is why the US used force against the Taliban government that maintained a close alliance with al-Qaeda.
6. The Caspian sea has become a new vision of a new Saudi Arabia.
7. 9/11 and the global war on terror has not fundamentally altered the dynamic interplay and territoriality and transnationalism.
8. The worlds of force and law collide in ways that are comparable to terror and dialogue. One difference is that the terrorist are always unlawful and there are times when force may be used to disarm and defeat the terrorist. The great danger is that fighting terrorism might provoke ruthless behaviors that represent some sort of victory for the terrorist. The prevent a slide into unlawful violence, a number of condition must be met: 1. all pacific forms must be address to find resolution 2. there must be no doubt about the justice of the cause 3. those responsible for the conduct of the war must act within the restraints established by the laws of war.
9. Terrorism is a method of political action that uses violence against civilians and civilian infrastructure in order to influence behaviour, to inflict punishment or to exact revenge. The goal is to make the target group afraid of tomorrow and each other. Terrorism is an act, not an ideology.
10. One of the tragic paradoxes of the twentieth century is that those states which have most closely self-identified with the path of enlightenment have committed acts of barbarism that no modern terrorist group has yet been able to match.
11. Poverty is the state that causes terrorist to act. In and ideal polity, political action is based on dialogue, one which participants rationally seek to persuade other of the universal validity of their moral beliefs.
12. Terrorism is an abberation without long term disruption.

The horrors of September 11th 2001 have resulted in terrorism and political violence as an area of study becoming increasingly topical. In terms of publishing output this has been a mixed blessing. The area has become "fashionable" but quantity has not always been matched by quality. The past year has, quite frankly, seen a lot of rubbish published - from both ends of the political spectrum.

This book goes some way towards redressing the balance. It is essentially a series of essays by various academics on various aspects of the "War on Terrorism". There is something for everyone here. You will almost certainly find something you agree with, but equally you will doubtless find something that will infuriate you! The book purposely draws on academics with unashamedly differing world views (many of whom are EXTREMELY distinguished - a real A list bunch). A chapter by the Marxists' favourite Noam Chomsky shares space with a chapter by the British uber-realist Colin Gray and another by that master of fair and balanced analysis, Lawrence Freedman (why has John Keegan got a knighthood when Freedman hasn't?). Kenneth Waltz and Robert O'Keohane both feature, as do half the International Politics department of Aberystwith University. You really would be hard pressed to find work by so many quality people in one place elsewhere.

There's somebody for everybody here - corny but true. These are the people who have been setting the standards for the debate - not the left wing editorials of the European press and the right wing columnists in the American print media that both sides seem to get so worked up about these days.

If you're interested in the debate on the "War on Terror" post September 11th, this book deserves to be on your shelves.