Empty Vessel
The rise of globalization and financialization as seen from a barge--one Swedish barge, to be exact, built in 1979 What do a barracks for British troops in the Falklands War, a floating jail off the Bronx, and temporary housing for VW factory workers in Germany have in common? The Balder Scapa: a single barge that served all three roles. Though the name would eventually change to Finnboda 12. And then to Safe Esperia. And later on, to the Bibby Resolution. And after that . . . in short, a vessel with so many names, and so many fates, that to keep it in our sights--as the protagonist of this fascinating economic parable--Ian Kumekawa has no choice but to call it, simply, the Vessel. Despite its sturdy steel structure, weighing 9,500 deadweight tons, the Vessel is a figure as elusive and abstract as the offshore market it comes to embody: a world of island tax havens, exploited labor forces, free banking zones, Thatcherism, Reaganomics, and mass incarceration, where even the prisoners are held offshore. Fitted with modular shipping containers, themselves the product of standardized global trade, the ship could become whatever the market demanded. Whether caught in an international dispute involving Hong Kong, Nigeria, Indonesia, and the Virgin Islands--to be settled in an English court of law--or flying yet another foreign "flag of convenience" to mask its ownership--the barge is ever a container for forces much larger than even its hulking self. Empty Vessel is a jaw-dropping microhistory that speaks volumes about the global economy as a whole. In following the Vessel--and its Sister Vessel, built alongside it in Stockholm--from one thankless task to the next, Kumekawa connects the dots of a neoliberal world order in the making, where regulation is for suckers and "Made in USA" feels almost quaint.
I Can Be Like Them (Creatures Edition)
What if YOU could be a messenger too?Messengers don't always have wings-some are animals, birds, and even trees that God used in amazing ways! In I Can Be Like Them (Creatures Edition), young readers will meet 11 incredible, unexpected messengers of the Bible-from the hardworking Ant and the peaceful Dove to the surprising Donkey and the coin-carrying Fish-each chosen by God to teach powerful lessons of faith, obedience, and wonder.Through engaging stories, kid-friendly truths, and interactive activities, this book helps children see how God can use anyone-or anything-for His purpose!✨ Inside this book, kids will: ✅ Meet 11 inspiring, unexpected biblical messengers and learn their special messages✅ Discover how to trust God, listen well, and live with purpose✅ Reflect, write, and pray in their very own My Messenger Journal✅ Grow in faith and awe as they see how all of God's creation plays a part in His big story!With simple storytelling, thoughtful questions, and hands-on fun, this book is perfect for kids who want to explore God's Word in a fresh and meaningful way.
Mosaic Life Squares
Frank Julius's "Mosaic Life Squares Autobiography - Part Two" offer a fascinating glimpse into a life filled with diverse experiences and thoughtful reflection.The "square" concept provides a unique framework for recounting memorable events, ranging from the philosophical to the personal and professional. The author's engaging storytelling and willingness to share both the extraordinary and the seemingly ordinary make for a compelling narrative. His emphasis on personal integrity, the value of experience, and the ongoing process of self-discovery are key takeaways from these pages."Mosaic Life Squares" offers a multifaceted glimpse into his life, primarily focusing on his extensive career in the hospitality industry and various unexpected personal experiences. Julius reflects on philosophical concepts like the universe's validation through human intelligence, then transitions to anecdotes about uncanny coincidences and the complexities of professional life, including being fired and a unique instance of "firing" his employer. A significant portion details his numerous fly-in job interviews and vivid memories of living and working in Banff National Park, highlighting the unique lifestyle and strong social connections formed there.Frank Julius further explores his diverse and truly surprising consulting assignments across various locations, from the Caribbean to Alaska, and his ventures into domain name speculation and photography.Finally, Julius shares personal reflections on past relationships. He recounts dramatic experiences with hurricanes in Florida, ultimately leading to his relocation back to Canada and a retrospective look at his life's different "acts." Mosaic Life Squares makes for a compelling four to five-hour read.
Dogs & Us
Discover the inner workings of our relationship with dogs in this gentle, informed and fun look at the reasons why we love our four-legged friends.Many of us know the joy, love and chaos of having a dog in your life. But have you ever wondered why we can feel such an attachment to dogs in particular? Pairing adorable images with the latest research, Dogs & Us is an investigation into - and celebration of - human-canine relationships. With the rise of hybrid working and average lifespans increasing, dog owners are spending more and more time with their pets. This book explores how dogs affect and improve a multitude of aspects of our lives, covering themes including affection, calming, exercise, friendship and play. It also captures the link between human wellbeing and our animal companions - a particularly wonderful aspect of life with dogs. Dog lovers everywhere will adore this fresh and vibrant look at the bond we share with our canine companions. With fascinating insights from organisations such as the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, it brings brand new academic research together with playful quotes and images in a collection that will inform, intrigue and delight. Join the growing number of dog owners who want to know more about our relationship with 'man's best friend', and dive into Dogs and Us.
