The epic story of the invention of a global network of weights, scales, and instruments for measurement. Millions of transactions each day depend on a reliable network of weights and measures. This network has been called a greater invention than the steam engine, comparable only to the development of the printing press. Robert P. Crease traces the evolution of this international system from the use of flutes to measure distance in the dynasties of ancient China and figurines to weigh gold in West Africa to the creation of the French metric and British imperial systems. The former prevailed, with the United States one of three holdout nations. Into this captivating history Crease weaves stories of colorful individuals, including Thomas Jefferson, an advocate of the metric system, and American philosopher Charles S. Peirce, the first to tie the meter to the wavelength of light. Tracing the dynamic struggle for ultimate precision, World in the Balance demonstrates that measurement is both stranger and more integral to our lives than we ever suspected.

Introduction -- Realism, balance-of-power theory, and the counterbalancing constraint -- Realism, balance-of-threat theory, and the "soft balancing" constraint -- Liberalism, globalization, and constraints derived from economic interdependence -- Institutionalism and the constraint of reputation -- Constructivism and the constraint of legitimacy -- A new agenda

In mid-1940, the British Expeditionary Force desperately attempted to flee the small French port of Dunkirk and reach British shores. France was falling, and the men were well aware that the German army had already conquered Poland, Denmark, Norway, Holland, and Belgium. Only Britain remained. Churchill then proclaimed to the House of Commons, "Hitler will have to break us in this island or lose the war." There were, perhaps, no more telling words spoken in World War II. For the following five months, Great Britain waged a heroic, and clandestine, struggle with Nazi Germany--one both psychological and diplomatic--over the fate of the world. World in the Balance recounts these pivotal months. Rallying after Churchill's speeches, destroying the French fleet so it would not fall to the Germans, fending off Nazi agents from former King Edward VIII, weakening England's defenses to build up those of Egypt, establishing a dedication to secret radar, and engaging in deft diplomacy--notably saving Gibraltar by keeping Spain neutral and successfully courting favor in the United States--set all the pieces in place for eventual victory over Axis fascism.

Encouraging, accessible, and easily digestible, this comprehensive, illustrated nonfiction guide introduces children ages eight to twelve to the important topic of climate change--with tips on "How You Can Help" and citizen scientist activities. "Our World Out of Balance is a wonderful introduction to climate change and other global environmental challenges for children. Unlike so many other books about climate change, it does not traffic in fear. Instead, it presents the facts and shows what young people can do to help build a cleaner, safer and more equitable future for the planet." --Simon Donner, Professor, Climate Scientist, University of British Columbia Filled with engaging big ideas that will inspire children to think about their role in keeping our world healthy, Our World Out of Balance details how humans have thrown the planet off-balance and ways we can work together to be part of the solution and create a healthier world. While the book covers some complex subjects, it also shares a sense of hope and many of the positive developments that have come from environmental initiatives, like reforestation and innovative recycling programs. Featuring brave scientists, young activists, and many groups working collectively to protect our future, Our World Out of Balance will leave readers feeling empowered and inspired. Each chapter pairs brightly colored illustrations with easily graspable scientific facts and statistics and ends with tips on "How You Can Help" as an individual―even at a young age! The book shares simple and well-organized descriptions of a variety of phenomena―like hurricanes and wildfires―that are becoming more extreme and negatively affecting plants, animals, humans, and ecosystems around the world. From there, children learn about the causes behind each phenomenon and what we all can do to intervene and bring balance back to our home planet. The easy-to-follow "Before" and "After" segments help children understand complex topics like: -Air pollution -Rising seas -Plastics and increased waste -Wildfires The backmatter lists various citizen science initiatives that kids can take part in to help make a difference. Informational text includes a table of contents, diagrams, index, glossary, and select bibliography. Printed on FSC-certified paper with vegetable inks.

Al Gore leads the charge against climate change, the world's greatest threat, in an incendiary new foreword to this timeless classic that launched his environmental career. If you want to know Gore, you need this book!

Oola is not your typical self-help book. So what is it? Just like its origins from the expression 'oh lá lá!'Oola is a 'state of awesomeness,' it's when your life is balanced and growing in the 7 key areas of life (Fitness, Finance, Family, Field, Faith, Friends, and Fun). Oola is not stale and stuffy advice, it reads more like a collection of kick-butt anecdotes and sincere stories that just happen to have meaningful messages. Co-authors Dave Braun (The OolaSeeker) and Troy Amdahl (The OolaGuru) have been there and done that. What started out as a small group of people meeting once a year to set intentions for the future has turned into a nationwide phenomenon. Maybe you've seen Dave and Troy traveling the highways and byways of America in their 1970 VW Surf Bus. Covered with colorful Oola stickers, they are carrying the hopes of people, just like you, who are putting their dreams into action, ready to have the OolaLife. You, too, are awesome and designed for greatness and a purpose—LiveOola! Oola has received glowing reviews from top authors, pro athletes, musicians, industry leaders, and Olympians. Need 7 more reasons to read this book? 1. Learn the three simple steps to balance and grow your life in an unbalanced world. 2. Uncover what blocks you from the life of your dreams and what can get you there faster. 3. Find out what you can learn from a drunken Thai monkey, a black Ninja, and zebra-striped underwear. 4. Why no matter what you have done or have failed to do, you deserve a better life. 5. Become inspired to take the steps, reach your milestones, and achieve your OolaLife. 6. Discover the 7 key areas of life you must balance and grow. 7. Unlock the secrets to taking your life to the next level.

From the bestselling author of The Ascent of Money and The Square and the Tower “A dazzling history of Western ideas.” —The Economist “Mr. Ferguson tells his story with characteristic verve and an eye for the felicitous phrase.” —Wall Street Journal “[W]ritten with vitality and verve . . . a tour de force.” —Boston Globe Western civilization’s rise to global dominance is the single most important historical phenomenon of the past five centuries. How did the West overtake its Eastern rivals? And has the zenith of Western power now passed? Acclaimed historian Niall Ferguson argues that beginning in the fifteenth century, the West developed six powerful new concepts, or “killer applications”—competition, science, the rule of law, modern medicine, consumerism, and the work ethic—that the Rest lacked, allowing it to surge past all other competitors. Yet now, Ferguson shows how the Rest have downloaded the killer apps the West once monopolized, while the West has literally lost faith in itself. Chronicling the rise and fall of empires alongside clashes (and fusions) of civilizations, Civilization: The West and the Rest recasts world history with force and wit. Boldly argued and teeming with memorable characters, this is Ferguson at his very best.

The purpose of Weinberg's text is to suggest a way in which the dramatic events of World War II may be seen. Weinberg argues that the war must be seen as a whole, and that the presentation of it in discrete segments covering the European and Pacific portions separately distorts reality and obscures important aspects of the war on both sides of the world. In addition, any understanding of the great struggle requires a mental self-liberation from the certain knowledge of its outcome. In desperate struggles millions fought and died, hopeful or fearful--or both--but without awareness of the end.

A Fine Balance, Rohinton Mistry’s stunning internationally acclaimed bestseller, is set in mid-1970s India. It tells the story of four unlikely people whose lives come together during a time of political turmoil soon after the government declares a “State of Internal Emergency.” Through days of bleakness and hope, their circumstances – and their fates – become inextricably linked in ways no one could have foreseen. Mistry’s prose is alive with enduring images and a cast of unforgettable characters. Written with compassion, humour, and insight, A Fine Balance is a vivid, richly textured, and powerful novel written by one of the most gifted writers of our time.

China and the United States have entered a multifaceted cold war: trade, high tech, space, defense, environment and values as they jostle for influence throughout the world. This rivalry between the world's top two economic powers will likely dominate the decades to come and its outcome is uncertain. After the American century, this new century may indeed be China's, or it may not. With Joe Biden's election as president of the United States, we are certainly in for a change of leadership style. But in terms of substance, US policy towards China is likely to remain tough. How will Beijing react? What strengths and weaknesses does China have in this long struggle for supremacy against the United States? This book analyzes the different aspects of this disconcerting rivalry that has had, and will continue to have, an impact on our daily lives. The coronavirus pandemic has further exposed the failings of a monolithic Chinese system that does not tolerate freedom of expression but it has also, paradoxically, placed China in a position of strength against the United States.