This book is about life and is written in plain everyday language. The author boldly faces up to those fundamental questions rankling at the back of one's mind such as: Is there really a God? Where is He? What is the nature of the soul? What is truth? Is reincarnation true? Is there any purpose in the universe? Does God cause suffering? Do angels exist? Who am I? Can effect become cause? Does space and time really exist? etc. He probes deep into the structure of your mind and with great clarity shows you how your mind works and how you can use it to find success in everything you do. He shows how we attract our present circumstances and how emotionally intense events are not only registered in our psychic memory but also in the memories of the cells of our body and what this means for us. He devotes a chapter in which he advocates "going within" through meditation to find solutions to our problems. Religion is examined with candor. He explains the many positive benefits of religion, examines its dark side and points out that, like individuals, some religions must resolve and get rid of the baggage of past evil deeds before they and their followers can step into the light. The author shows how, in spite of itself science through its quantum theories is currently making discoveries which lead to a new view of the universe more in line with that of the essence of the religions and the experiences of the mystics of this world. He shows how science and religion are at last beginning to merge. For example there is now scientific proof of the value of prayer; proof that the mind is non-local, that is it is not located in the brain and also can cause actions over distance; that there is no solid matter in the universe, it is all energy in one form or another. He further states that a field of energy outside the material universe has been discovered where speeds exceed that of light. It has also been found that our human consciousness is directly connected with matter and influences (at least) its microscopic particles. The nature of the universe as being holographic is explored. These scientific findings have profound spiritual significance. He quotes experts on the future of mankind, including Arthur C. Clark, Nobel physicist Brian Josephson, Stephen Hawking etc... and many more. Reading this book will prepare you for the new age that is fast enveloping the earth. The author's message is that in spite of the terrorism and devastation of the earth currently going on, there is powerful hope. There are powerful spiritual forces at work, which will overcome the present chaos and lead us into a life of enlightenment and eventually of love."

Combining theory and application, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting provides a comprehensive analysis of lighting systems along with examples and illustrations of the technical tools and methods used in the industry. An entertaining and educational read, author Steven Louis Shelley draws from his 35+ years of diverse experience to explain how to get the job done along with real-life examples of projects from start to finish. Learn why some techniques are successful while others fail with 'Shelley's Notes' and 'Shelley's Soapbox,' all with a humor that guides you through complex problems and concepts. Highlights include: -Over 100 new topics, including analysis and application of the three categories of collaboration; a detailed examination of production meetings and one-on-one meetings; and meeting checklists with management and the creative team. -Over 50 new illustrations, including Shelley's Periodic Table of Fundamental Lighting Systems; groundplans, sections, and front elevations that illustrate basic system wash configurations for each direction of light. -Analysis, calculation, and step-by-step technical construction of each lighting system in the Hokey light plot. -Explanation of a manufacturer's cut sheet, and how to apply basic formulas to determine the beam size, footcandles, and gel transmission for lighting instruments. -Updated process of pre-programming computer lighting consoles prior to the load-in. -Comprehensive overview of archiving paperwork and softcopy for a production. Students and professionals will benefit from experience-based tips and techniques to prepare and execute a lighting design, along with learning how to avoid common traps.

Filmmaker Jay Holben has been battling in the production trenches for most of his life. For the past 17 years, he’s chronicled his adventures in the pages of American Cinematographer, Digital Video, Videography, and TV Technology. Now, in Behind the Lens: Dispatches from the Cinematic Trenches, he’s compiled nearly 100 of his best articles on everything from camera technology and lenses to tips and techniques for better lighting. Whether you’re making independent films, commercials, music videos, documentaries, television shows, event videos, or industrials, this full color collection provides the tools you need to take your work to the next level and succeed in the world of digital motion imaging. Featured topics include: *Tech, including the fundamentals of how digital images are formed and how they evolved to match the look of a film, as well as image compression and control *Optics, providing a thorough examination of lenses and lens interchangeability, depth of field, filters, flare, quality, MTF, and more *Cameras, instructing you in using exposure tools, ISO, white balance, infrared, and stabilizers *Lighting, featuring advice on using lighting sources and fixtures and how to tackle common lighting problems Additional tips and tricks cover improving audio, celestial photography, deciding if film school is right for you, and much more. For over a decade Jay Holben has worked as a director of photography in Los Angeles on features, commercials, television shows, and music videos. He is a former technical editor and frequent contributing writer for American Cinematographer, the current technical editor and columnist for Digital Video, and the lighting columnist for TV Technology. The author of A Shot in the Dark: A Creative DIY Guide to Digital Video Lighting on (Almost) No Budget, Holben is also on faculty for the Global Cinematography Institute. He is now an independent producer and director.

Argues that human freedom is threatened by systems of intelligent persuasion developed by tech giants who compete for our time and attention. This title is also available as Open Access.

When pastor David Beck went to Haiti with a ministry team he found himself deeply experiencing the power of being Christ's own hands and feet. Luminous explores what it means to live out the reality of the incarnation, emphasizing the purpose, presence, power and peace Christ offers us and we in turn extend to the world.