This book argues that the gospels are in an important sense "occasions for offense." The Jesus of the gospels is a scandal (skandalon, in the original Greek) and he is never more scandalous than when he is speaking in parables. Interpreters of the gospels over the centuries have consistently labored to domesticate the offense or to eliminate it entirely. David McCracken, focusing on parables, Matthew's narrative contexts, and the gospel of John, seeks to recover the gospels' sense of Jesus as skandalon. To this end, he enlists the help of Kierkegaard, the philosopher of offense, and to a lesser extent that of Bakhtin, both of whom prove to be surprisingly apt conversation partners for the evangelists.
Chuck Palahniuk, America's premier transgressive novelist, enjoys a tremendous readership. Yet he has not necessarily been embraced by critics or academics. His prose is considered vulgar by some, but his body of work addresses a core motivation of 21st-century life: individual self-empowerment. Palahniuk writes about what it means to be on the outside looking in, revising familiar narratives for a contemporary audience to get at the heart of the human condition--everyone wants a chance to win his or her fair share, no matter the cost. In Haunted, Snuff, Pygmy, Tell-All, Damned and Invisible Monsters Remix, he confronts marginalization and disenfranchisement through parodies of various works--The Decameron, The Inferno, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, The Elephant Man--as well as Hollywood history, 1970s karate films and the porn industry. This comprehensive study of six novels refutes criticism that Palahniuk's goals are to shock and sensationalize.
With the success of Fight Club, his novel-turned-movie, Chuck Palahniuk has become noticed for accurately capturing the exploitation of power in America in the 21st century. With cynicism and skepticism, he satirizes the manipulative aspects of ideologies and beliefs pushing society's understanding of the norm. In this work, Palahniuk's characters are analyzed as people who rebel against the systems in control. Mikhail Bakhtin's theory is applied to explain Palahniuk's application of the comic grotesque; theories from Louis Althusser and Slavoj Žižek help reveal aspects of ideology in Palahniuk's writing.
"This book compiles and integrates highly innovative work aimed at bridging the fields of anthropology and consumer behavior." —Journal of Consumer Affairs " . . . fascinating . . . ambitious and interesting . . . " —Canadian Advertising Foundation Newsletter " . . . an anthropological dig into consumerism brimming with original thought . . . " —The Globe and Mail "Grant McCracken has written a provocative book that puts consumerism in its place in Western society—at the centre." —Report on Business Magazine " . . . a stimulating addition to knowledge and theory about the interrelationship of culture and consumption." —Choice "[McCracken's] synthesis of anthropological and consumer studies material will give historians new ideas and methods to integrate into their thinking." —Maryland Historian "The book offers a fresh and much needed cultural interpretation of consumption." —Journal of Consumer Policy "The volume will help balance the prevailing cognitive and social psychological cast of consumer research and should stimulate more comprehensive investigation into consumer behavior." —Journal of Marketing Research " . . . broad scope, enthusiasm and imagination . . . a significant contribution to the literature on consumption history, consumer behavior, and American material culture." —Winterhur Portfolio "For this is a superb book, a definitive exploration of its subject that makes use of the full range of available literature." —American Journal of Sociology "McCracken's book is a fine synthesis of a new current of thought that strives to create an interdisciplinary social science of consumption behaviors, a current to which folklorists have much to contribute." —Journal of American Folklore This provocative book takes a refreshing new view of the culture of consumption. McCracken examines the interplay of culture and consumer behavior from the anthropologist's point of view and provides new insights into the way we view ourselves and our society.
A follow-up to Grant McCracken's groundbreaking Culture and Consumption, this new book trades the usual platitudes about the consumer society for a more detailed, exacting anthropological treatment. Each section of the book pairs a brief essay with an academic article. The essay is designed for a quick, provocative glimpse of the topic; the article provides a deeper anthropological treatment. The book opens with a broadside against the now thoroughly conventionalized attack on the consumer culture. Essays follow on homes, cars, people, and social mobility; celebrities, consumerism, and self-invention; museums and the power of objects; the anthropology of advertising; and marketing, meaning management, and value. Like McCracken's previous volume, this new book is an engaging, informative, and eye-opening foray into modern consumer culture.
Self reinvention has become a preoccupation of contemporary culture. In the last decade, Hollywood made a 500-million-dollar bet on this idea with movies such as Multiplicity, Fight Club, eXistenZ, and Catch Me If You Can. Self reinvention marks the careers of Madonna, Ani DiFranco, Martha Stewart, and Robin Williams. The Nike ads of LeBron James, the experiments of New Age spirituality, the mores of contemporary teen culture, and the obsession with "extreme makeovers" are all examples of our culture's fixation with change. In a time marked by plenitude, transformation is one of the few things these parties have in common. Although transformation is widely acknowledged as a defining characteristic of our culture, we have almost no studies on what it is or how it works. Transformations offers the first comprehensive and systematic view. It is an ethnography of the contemporary world.
Is it possible any longer to "read" markets fast enough to respond to them? A world of discrete parts is now one interconnected web of ceaseless calculation and response. Marketing has become a thing of speed and turbulence, with all the players moving simultaneously. For marketing guru Grant McCracken, the key to success in this dynamic new marketplace is to find a way to slow the world down. And McCracken believes he has the solution. It begins with understanding the mechanics at work today. He says, "Complexity has a theory. Commotion has a pattern. Dynamism has a system. We can continue to live by damage control, or we can change the way we play the game." To survive our own world of collision and speed, marketers need to see the world as "flocks and flows." In this exciting new book, McCracken deploys "complex adaptive theory" to track the movement of trends and new groupings of consumers. He shows how to monitor new trends, whether and when to introduce new brands and brand extensions, how to speak to niche markets, and how to avoid costly mistakes. McCracken's sage and witty advice could not come at a better time. His book will be a valuable aid for anyone trying to keep up with marketplace changes in our rapidly evolving world.
From Greed to Grace is the story of one man's struggle to find his path through life from a meager beginning to what many Christians would call a successful conclusion.Author David McCracken's unhappy childhood took place in the 1940s on a small 200-acre farm in Lyon County, Kansas, without running water or electricity.Attending Sunday school at the age of nine for a couple months was the only framework upon which he could build a Christian life. Yet as a teen, he cried out for God's help. The author had no knowledge of the Holy Spirit at that time, but sensed that God heard his prayer and a peace came over the author.The heart of this memoir is devoted to the transformation the author went through that includes his years of struggle to overcome greed and allow God to guide his steps; how he became a successful self-taught day trader in the stock market; and how he won a 39-year-old claim with the VA.Along the way, McCracken served in the United States Air Force, taught speech and debate, was an award-winning debate coach, learned the stock market and became a religious man.This stunning book about overcoming adversity will open windows when others have tried to close doors.JDavid McCracken is now retired and living in Arizona.Publisher's website: http: //www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/FromGreedToGrace.html
The standard in prosthodontics for nearly 50 years, McCracken's Removable Partial Prosthodontics, 13th Edition walks readers through all the principles and concepts surrounding removable partial denture treatment planning and design that today's practitioners need to know. Using an evidence-based approach, this full-color text incorporates the latest information on new techniques, procedures, and equipment, including expanded information on dynamic communication and the use of implants with removable partial dentures. From initial contact with the patient to post-treatment care, McCracken's is the complete foundation today's dentists need to successfully practice prosthodontic care. A variety of philosophies and techniques are featured throughout the text, so readers can select and incorporate applicable techniques on a case-by-case basis. Full-color drawings and photographs give readers a detailed view of techniques, materials, and anatomic detail. Evidence-based approach uses current research to help readers diagnose, design, develop, and sequence a treatment plan. Expert guidance from both authors walks readers through the latest techniques as well as technological advances specific to removable partial dentures. NEW! Standardized removable partial denture designs offered for application to the major categories of patients seen in practice. NEW! Expanded information on the use of implants with removable partial dentures highlights considerations in treatment planning including the selection of implants and provision of care utilizing dental implants. NEW! More information on dynamic communication which incorporates the progress being made in shared decision making with patients, especially regarding decisions made in light of patient values and 'trade-off' considerations.
A beautifully illustrated exploration of Edward Lear's little-known career as a natural-history artist—now in a new expanded paperback editionEdward Lear (1812–1888) is best known today for his witty limericks and endearing nonsense verse. But the celebrated author of "The Owl and the Pussy-Cat" also created some of the most stunning paintings of birds and mammals during an age when many species were just being discovered and brought to private menageries and zoos throughout Europe. The Natural History of Edward Lear brings together more than 200 of Lear's strikingly beautiful illustrations of animals, plants, and landscapes. Robert McCracken Peck sheds light on Lear's astounding creativity, productivity, and success as an artist. He discusses Lear's humor, extensive travels, and important place in the history of science, and shows how Lear influenced other artists from Beatrix Potter and Maurice Sendak to James Prosek and Walton Ford.With a foreword by David Attenborough, a new chapter discussing Lear's interest in pets, and never-before-published illustrations by Lear, this new edition offers invaluable perspectives on a beloved writer who was also one of the greatest natural-history artists of all time.
Global Health continues to provide readers with a comprehensive, up-to-date and thought-provoking outline and understanding of the constantly evolving global health landscape. In this new edition the authors have maintained the successful structure and organisation of the previous edition to examine and explain recent health changes and consider likely future patterns. New or expanded topics covered include: emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threatsincreasing awareness of, and interest in, antimicrobial resistance and superbugsterrorism, global conflict and healththe new UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developmentthe drive for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)the use of information technology in global healthsubstance abusepalliative and end-of-life-careethical issues in global health.Using clear and original explanations of complex issues, this text makes extensive use of boxed case studies and international examples, with discussion questions posed for readers at the end of each chapter. Readers will also be able to take advantage of the new website that was designed to complement this book.Global Health is essential reading for students and researchers of global health, public health and development studies.
Global Health continues to provide readers with a comprehensive, up-to-date and thought-provoking outline and understanding of the constantly evolving global health landscape. In this new edition the authors have maintained the successful structure and organisation of the previous edition to examine and explain recent health changes and consider likely future patterns. New or expanded topics covered include: emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threatsincreasing awareness of, and interest in, antimicrobial resistance and superbugsterrorism, global conflict and healththe new UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developmentthe drive for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)the use of information technology in global healthsubstance abusepalliative and end-of-life-careethical issues in global health.Using clear and original explanations of complex issues, this text makes extensive use of boxed case studies and international examples, with discussion questions posed for readers at the end of each chapter. Readers will also be able to take advantage of the new website that was designed to complement this book.Global Health is essential reading for students and researchers of global health, public health and development studies.
When Dubliner Edward Barrymore falls into the sea off Ballygally Head in north east Ulster, he thinks his end is nigh. Yet, from the darkness comes help in the form of Henry O'Halloran and his beguiling granddaughter, Ellen. Edward is immediately smitten by the beauty of the fair colleen and is enraptured to find she feels the same, but their happiness and that of their families and their country is threatened. Insurgency and rebellion are approaching and Ellen's grandfather, Edward's life-saver, is at the vanguard of the United men in this part of the country. Were the clouds of war not frightening enough, Ellen is also pursued by a monstrous cad who thinks nothing of having her beloved Edward murdered so he may take her for his own. In the dark of the night, when men with pikes will march against their royal masters, when cowards will skulk away and heroes rise, when neighbour will turn on neighbour and many a good man will fall, can love remain true, will honour repay its debts and what will become of O'Halloran, The Insurgent Chief? With forewords by Stephen Dornan, Ian Hooper, David Hume MBE, Angeline King, Stephen McCracken and Claire Mitchell. A re-publishing of the 1824 classic - a tale of two hearts united as Ireland rips herself apart. Note: The main body text of this work is in the Public Domain.
Cat breeders, cat show judges as well as student of veterinary medicine, zoology and wildlife biology will greatly benefit from this feline anatomy coloring atlas. Essential anatomic and physiologic concepts are explained and some diseases common to the region being studied are discussed. Active learning is involved as you color anatomical structures and their names on the drawing or underline their names in the texts and color the parts indicated by a corresponding number. The format replicates Dog Anatomy - A Coloring Atlas by Kainer and McCracken. The format is designed for the cat owner who desires to gain a basic knowledge of feline anatomy with functional correlations and brief descriptions of some the diseases being studied. This do it yourself form maximizes comprehension and retention.
Come along with authors Gordon Beld and David McMacken on a trip down memory lane to Alma College, a mid-Michigan school with a fascinating past, rich heritage and impressive influence. Look on as thousands of spectators flock to the campus for the annual Highland festival. Sit in the front row while a yet unknown young performer introduces you to a new song, Take Me Home, Country Roads." Peek into a voting booth to see the ballot listing two former Alma students who are candidates for the U.S. vice presidency--in the same election. Learn how Alma students reached out to make a difference here at home and around the world.."
The story of King David, his childhood, his battle with the Philistines, his women, and the tragedy of his son Absalom, is full of excitement, but yet is only a part of his life. His relationship with the Lord God was the key thing, and he danced before the Lord. He was also the first King of Israel, and our story starts at the time when Jerusalem was conquered by Babylon, and its people taken away into captivity. They started to look back at the foundation myths of their history, and the story of David and Solomon, when the kingdom was at the height of its glory, seemed to be just the story to tell. So that is how the collection of stories of David came to be compiled into the books we can read today.
A delightful retelling of how David is chosen as king, especially for under 5s. Featuring full-colour photographic spreads of the much- loved characters from The Big Bible Storybook, this board book is perfectly sized for small hands, with short text for a parent or carer to read to the child.
A reexamination of the biblical David, legendary warrior, poet, and king, by one of America’s most respected rabbis Of all the figures in the Bible, David arguably stands out as the most perplexing and enigmatic. He was many things: a warrior who subdued Goliath and the Philistines; a king who united a nation; a poet who created beautiful, sensitive verse; a loyal servant of God who proposed the great Temple and founded the Messianic line; a schemer, deceiver, and adulterer who freely indulged his very human appetites. David Wolpe, whom Newsweek called “the most influential rabbi in America,” takes a fresh look at biblical David in an attempt to find coherence in his seemingly contradictory actions and impulses. The author questions why David holds such an exalted place in history and legend, and then proceeds to unravel his complex character based on information found in the book of Samuel and later literature. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of an exceptional human being who, despite his many flaws, was truly beloved by God.
